Veteran Nollywood actor Chiwetalu Agu has advised women to prioritize self-development and independence before entering into marriage.
In a video shared via his Instagram page and cited by PUNCH Online on Monday, Agu emphasized that marriage should not define a woman’s identity or fulfillment, urging women instead to seek mental, spiritual, and financial stability prior to committing to a marital union.
According to the actor, his counsel stems from a desire to promote personal growth, resilience, and self-worth among women, particularly amid ongoing public discourse on gender roles and financial autonomy within relationships.
“The best advice I can give you as a lady before you embark on the journey of marriage is to be a complete woman before you marry. Establish yourself as a woman before you marry. Make sure you are mentally, physically, spiritually, and financially stable before you marry. Emphasis on being financially and spiritually stable,” Agu stated.
He further noted that marriage should serve as a complementary partnership, not as a determinant of value or success.
“It is not marriage that completes you as a woman. Your work, identity, or sense of completeness does not depend on being married. You don’t need marriage to feel whole, valuable, or fulfilled. Marriage should complement you, not complete you. It should be a beautiful addition, not a missing piece,” he added.
Agu encouraged women to invest in themselves, their dreams, and passions, warning against complete dependency on men for survival or purpose.
“Before you marry, build yourself up. Even if you are not financially stable, at least have something to do — a business, a handwork, or a skill. Have an idea of what independence means,” he said.
The veteran actor cautioned that a lack of personal stability could leave women vulnerable in cases of marital conflict, divorce, or bereavement, particularly where in-laws are unsupportive.
“God forbid if your husband divorces you or passes away and you have nothing of your own — you may have to start life all over again. If your in-laws are wicked, they will strip you of everything your husband left behind,” he warned.
Agu’s message has since resonated widely across social media, drawing commendations for its emphasis on self-sufficiency, emotional maturity, and gender empowerment within modern marriages.#newsafro_
