Kanayo: At 33, It’s a State of Emergency for Single Women to Marry

Renowned Nigerian actor Kanayo O. Kanayo has caused a stir with his recent comments on the challenges faced by single women over the age of 33, describing their situation as a “state of emergency” due to mounting societal pressure to settle down. In an insightful interview with News Central, Kanayo highlighted the increasing urgency for women to make relationship decisions earlier in life, as they approach their 30s, and the complications that arise when they delay this process.

Kanayo specifically focused on the trend where many young women in their early 20s choose to date older, wealthier men, often much older and sometimes even married. This, according to him, leads to a rejection of younger suitors who may have genuine intentions but lack the material wealth that their older partners provide. “At 18, 19, or 20, some girls start dating rich men who are sometimes much older. These men buy them expensive gifts like cars and houses, and so they feel they are living on a very high level,” Kanayo explained. This lifestyle, he noted, can prevent them from seeing the value in pursuing relationships with younger men, who may not have the same material wealth but offer sincere commitment.

Kanayo elaborated on how this pattern of behavior continues into a woman’s mid-20s, which can result in an inability to secure long-term relationships. By the time these women reach their late 20s and early 30s, they may find themselves unmarried, despite having had several opportunities with suitable younger suitors. “From 22, they go on to 24, and even if they break up with one older man, they quickly move on to another. But by 25, 26, they remain unmarried because they have rejected younger, potentially better suitors,” he observed. Kanayo pointed out that, once these women are in their late 20s, many have completed their education, and as they grow older, they may no longer seem as appealing to men, who start to look elsewhere.

The actor also addressed the growing pressure that women face as they approach their 30s, particularly after the age of 33, when the likelihood of marriage becomes more urgent. He described how many women in this age group experience a shift in their outlook, as they often turn to prayer, hoping for a husband. “At 23, she’s a flex, she’s enjoying life. By 28, she becomes a prayer point. After 33, she’s in a state of emergency,” Kanayo remarked. He emphasized that the pressure to find a life partner becomes so intense at this stage that many women struggle to come to terms with the reality that marriage may not come as easily as they had hoped. “At 35, they are still unmarried, but they think they are having fun. They’re not. They are now in a state of emergency, praying that God brings anyone,” he added.

Kanayo’s perspective sheds light on the pressures and challenges women face in today’s society regarding marriage, relationships, and expectations about settling down. His comments also highlight the complex choices women make during their younger years and how these decisions can impact their later lives. The idea that women may choose temporary pleasures over long-term commitment is a theme that resonates with many, as the dynamic between materialism, independence, and romantic partnerships is increasingly discussed in modern culture.

The actor’s observations open a broader discussion about modern dating and the societal norms that often dictate when and how women should settle into marriage. Kanayo’s remarks have sparked a conversation on how women’s desires, choices, and societal expectations around marriage have evolved over time. His call for women to reconsider their dating choices in their 20s serves as a reflection on the changing landscape of relationships, and the potential consequences of delaying important life decisions in pursuit of material gains or short-term satisfaction.