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Nigerian Actress Binta Ayo Mogaji Urges Women Over 35 to Prioritize Motherhood

Veteran Nigerian actress Binta Ayo Mogaji has sparked controversy with her recent interview on Oyinmomo TV, where she advised women above 35 years to get pregnant outside wedlock. The 60-year-old actress, who welcomed her first child at age 40, emphasized the need for women to prioritize motherhood over societal expectations.

Mogaji’s remarks come as a surprise, given the cultural significance of marriage and family in many African societies. However, the actress argues that women should not let societal pressures dictate their life choices. "Once you are 35 or older and you don’t have a husband, but there is someone in your life who is not ready for marriage but wants a child, have a child with him, even if he won’t accept responsibility for the child," she said.

Mogaji believes that women who delay marriage until their 30s or 40s often face difficulties in finding a suitable partner. "When she is looking for a husband at 35, they will say she is too old and won’t be able to wash clothes for her mother-in-law or be controlled. The man will be advised to find a younger lady to listen to him," she explained.

The actress also highlighted the reality of women becoming grandmothers at a relatively young age. "And if she is fortunate to get married, she’ll already be old before her child grows up. While some people already became grandmothers at 45 or 50, you are still looking for a husband, when will you find a husband and become a grandmother?" she asked.

Mogaji’s advice is not without controversy, and many have taken to social media to express their opinions on the matter. While some have praised the actress for her honesty and willingness to challenge societal norms, others have criticized her for promoting a culture of promiscuity and irresponsibility.

Regardless of one’s stance on the issue, Mogaji’s remarks have sparked an important conversation about the challenges faced by women in their 30s and 40s who are still seeking to start a family. As the actress herself said, "If God blesses you with someone who likes you and you can have children together, go ahead and do it as long as you desire a child and can take care of the child. But if you cannot find a man to impregnate you, then consider adoption."