Nollywood actor Uzor Arukwe has responded to backlash over his remark on marriage, stressing that a woman’s worth should not be measured by her marital status.
The controversy began after Arukwe was asked in a recent interview whether society had oversold the importance of marriage to women.
In his response, he said young girls are often raised to learn skills and behaviours mainly to prepare them to become wives, sparking mixed reactions on social media.
The actor said, “I have never believed that a woman’s greatest achievement in life should be measured by whether or not she becomes somebody’s wife,” he wrote.
Arukwe stressed that women should be free to pursue their ambitions, discover their purpose and build meaningful lives beyond marriage
. However, he clarified that his position does not diminish the value of marriage or the sacrifices husbands and fathers make to provide for their families, often without recognition.
The actor, a father, said he wants his daughters to understand they are individuals with their own identities and aspirations before deciding about marriage.
He also reaffirmed his respect for the institution, describing his respect for marriage as “unwavering.”
“Marriage can be a beautiful part of life, but it should never be the only definition of a life well lived,” he concluded.
Arukwe thanked both his supporters and critics for contributing to the conversation, adding that he remains open to listening and clarifying his intentions.
