Nollywood ace, Binta Ayo Mogaji, has urged women over the age of 35 to embrace the idea of having children outside the traditional bounds of marriage.
In a recent candid interview with Oyinmomo TV, the accomplished 60-year-old actress delved into her personal beliefs surrounding marriage, motherhood, and the relentless societal pressures that often dictate a woman’s choices.
She shared her own journey to motherhood, having welcomed her first child at the age of 40—a decision that has profoundly shaped her life and perspective.
Mogaji encouraged women who find themselves unmarried but yearning for the fulfillment of motherhood to seriously explore the liberating option of having children without the wait for a wedding.
She emphasized that the desire to nurture and raise a child should not be confined by societal expectations, urging women to prioritize their personal happiness and the invaluable bond that comes with motherhood, regardless of marital status.
“What I’m saying is, once you’re 35 or older and you don’t have a husband, but there’s someone in your life who is with you but not ready for marriage, and he wants a child, have a child with him, even if he won’t accept responsibility for the child,” she advised.
Ayo Mogaji emphasised that women should prioritize motherhood over societal expectations.
She also encouraged women to consider adoption if they cannot find a partner.
“When she is looking for a husband at 35, they’ll say she’s too old and won’t be able to wash clothes for her mother-in-law or be controlled,” the actress said.
“They’ll advise the man to find a younger lady to listen to him. Even if she’s fortunate to marry at that age, she’ll already be old when her child grows up. Some people at 45 or 50 are already grandmothers.
“When your mates are grandmothers, and you’re still saying you’re looking for a husband, when will you find a husband and become a grandmother?
“So, my advice is, if God blesses you with someone who likes you and you can have children together, go ahead and do it.
“If you find someone you like, ask him to impregnate you as long as you want a child and can take care of the child. But if you want a child and cannot find a man to impregnate you, then consider adoption.”
