Tayo Adeniyi Urges Women To Prioritize Their Lives Over Marriage And Children

Tayo Adeniyi, a Nollywood actress, has advised women, especially those in their late 30s and early 40s, not to view marriage and having children as the only indicators of a happy life.

The actress urged women to “de-center” marriage and children in a video posted on her social media page on Wednesday, claiming that fulfillment and happiness can still be attained without either.

Speaking to women who, despite their best efforts, have not been able to get married or have children, Adeniyi counseled them against sacrificing their well-being in order to meet social expectations.

“Please, de-centre marriage. You do not have to get married and you do not have to have kids also.

“If you’re in your 40s and you’ve tried your best to find a man to be married or perhaps
you’re married and you haven’t got any kids, please, I beg you, you can be whole without these things.

“You can be a whole you without having kids, without having a man in your life. Just get your life together. A whole life doesn’t have to be with a man or with kids.”

“Don’t put up with nonsense because you want to be married or because you want to have children. Don’t. It’s not worth it.

“Don’t go out of your way to have these things. If it does not come naturally, let it go. Trust me, if it’s going to happen, it will happen and if it is not happening, there’s absolutely nothing you can do to make it happen.”

“You can be happy without children. You can be happy without a husband. Life has changed. Seasons have changed,” she said.

In a separate post on Instagram, Adeniyi further explained that “decentralising” marriage and children does not mean rejecting them, but refusing to make them the foundation of one’s identity.

“Decentralising marriage and children means refusing to make them the center of your worth. They can be beautiful blessings, but they are not the only measure of a meaningful life.

“Purpose, peace, service, growth, and love also create a life that matters. Please love yourself first, you are enough,” she wrote.

I believe that women should strive to find a balance in all aspects of their lives—pursuing their personal growth, careers, relationships, and passions simultaneously. It’s important to prioritize oneself while also being adaptable and resilient enough to manage different roles. Achieving this balance allows women to live fulfilling lives, nurture their ambitions, and build meaningful connections, ultimately leading to greater happiness and empowerment.