By Sulaymon Ruqoya
October 7th, 2024
Veteran Nollywood actress, Binta Ayo Mogaji, has advised women over the age of 35 to consider having children outside of wedlock or through adoption if they desire motherho od.
During an interview on Oyinmomo TV, the 60-year-old actress, who had her first child at the age of 40, shared her thoughts on marriage, motherhood, and societal pressures. She encouraged single women over 35 to focus on becoming mothers, even if they are not married.
“What I’m saying is, once you are 35 or older and you don’t have a husband, but there is someone in your life who is not ready for marriage but wants a child, have a child with him, even if he won’t accept responsibility for the child,” Mogaji advised.
She further explained the challenges women face when seeking marriage at an older age, stating, “When she is looking for a husband at 35, they will say she is too old and won’t be able to wash clothes for her mother-in-law or be controlled. The man will be advised to find a younger lady to listen to him.”
Mogaji also highlighted the risks of waiting too long to have children, adding, “And if she is fortunate to get married, she’ll already be old before her child grows up. While some people already became grandmothers at 45 or 50, you are still looking for a husband. When will you find a husband and become a grandmother?”
She concluded by encouraging women to seize the opportunity for motherhood when possible, advising, “If God blesses you with someone who likes you and you can have children together, go ahead and do it as long as you desire a child and can take care of the child. But if you cannot find a man to impregnate you, then consider adoption.”