Nigerian comedian and actor Bovi Ugboma has sparked conversations online after criticising how many parents discourage dating among young people but later expect them to easily settle into marriage.
Comedian questions parenting approach to relationships
Speaking during a recent discussion on relationships and societal expectations, Bovi argued that many Nigerian parents criminalise harmless dating experiences while children are growing up.
According to him, young people are often prevented from expressing emotions, writing love letters or going on innocent outings with people they like.
“Most parents, you no wan hear your pikin get boyfriend but when they reach a certain age, you’ll be asking them bring husband. Why have you not brought husband? Where dey wan see husband from?” Bovi said.
“You didn’t go to cinema to see movie with the babe harmlessly. You didn’t stroll or take walks, or write letters because if they see love letter that time we were in secondary school it will be like the whole world was stopping,” he added.
Comments stir debate on marriage and modern relationships
The comedian further argued that society’s negative attitude toward dating may be contributing to relationship failures and rising divorce rates in Nigeria.
“We criminalize the dating culture in Nigeria and now we’re wondering why marriages are breaking,” he stated.
In recent years, celebrities, relationship experts and social commentators have increasingly discussed the importance of emotional maturity and healthy dating experiences before marriage.
Similar conversations also trended in 2024 after public figures criticised societal pressure surrounding relationships among young Nigerians.
Many social media users agreed with Bovi’s comments, while others maintained that strict parenting is necessary to protect children from harmful influences and distractions at an early age.
Check the post below…
“There are many broken marriages because parents didn’t teach their children how to go on dates . Parents should allow their children go on dates”
— Bovi pic.twitter.com/1IOAGjNYIw
— HEADY👑 (@its_heady_again) May 26, 2026
