The soaring divorce rates in Nigeria are a cause for concern, reflecting a departure from the traditional concept of “till death do us part.” In contemporary Nigeria, cultural norms and ethics seem to have taken a back seat, with individuals entering into marriage hastily and exiting even more swiftly. The sacred commitment to endure through thick and thin, to work through challenges, and to nurture the marital bond seems to have lost its significance.
The question that lingers is, what makes the institution of marriage so special if people are unwilling to weather the storms, commit to resolving conflicts, and contribute to the growth of the marital union? It appears that marriage has been commodified, reduced to the level of any other business contract that can be easily nullified at the first sign of dissatisfaction or perceived cheating by either party.
The rise in popularity of prenuptial agreements is emblematic of this shift, with couples seemingly acknowledging the transient nature of their commitment before even taking the plunge into marriage. This trend is both perplexing and thought-provoking, prompting us to ask why so many rush into marriage yearly only to exit hastily after a few months.
To truly understand the intricacies of this societal shift, we must delve into the factors contributing to these frequent divorces. Many young couples find themselves just married but far from happily so. Did they make a wrong choice in selecting a life partner? Is their supposed soulmate a fair-weather companion, only content when times are easy? Or do they discover the misalignment only after uttering the words “I DO”?
A significant number of these marital breakdowns stem from issues such as infidelity, domestic violence, or a lack of hospitality within the home. The pivotal question then becomes: Are you happily married, or are you simply married? Asking most young couples this question may not elicit responses that inspire confidence for those contemplating marriage.
At the core of this crisis is the abandonment of the true essence of marriage—a commitment to maintaining a harmonious home. Regrettably, children often become collateral damage in these conflicts, a stark departure from the past when cultural values and ethics held sway, and “till death do us part” carried profound meaning.
In confronting the realities of the modern era, we must acknowledge that the landscape of marriage has evolved. The sacred vows of enduring commitment and unwavering support have been replaced with a more conditional approach—till either party grows tired of trying to make it work. As we navigate the complexities of modern relationships, it becomes imperative to reevaluate the essence of marriage and strive to restore its sanctity. Stay tuned for further explorations into the evolving dynamics of relationships in future posts. #MMBA5
Growing under African Skies; Memoirs of running a business.