GIRLS BELOW 26 HAVE NO BUSINESS GETTING MARRIED” — REV. CHRISTIE BATURE SPARKS DEBATE ON IDEAL MARRIAGE AGE

A statement by Rev. Christie Bature advising young women against marrying before the age of 26 has stirred widespread debate across social media, with many Nigerians sharing differing opinions on the issue.

Speaking on the subject of marriage and personal development, the clergywoman cautioned young women against rushing into marriage at an early age. According to her, women below the age of 26 should prioritize personal growth, emotional maturity, education, and establishing themselves before making the lifelong commitment of marriage.

Her comments have since gone viral, prompting mixed reactions online. While some social media users agreed with her perspective, arguing that maturity and financial stability are important foundations for a successful marriage, others disagreed, insisting that there is no universally “right” age for marriage.

Critics of the statement noted that readiness for marriage should be determined by individual circumstances rather than age. They argued that emotional maturity, compatibility, shared values, and commitment matter more than meeting a specific age benchmark.

Supporters, however, maintained that delaying marriage can give young women more time to build careers, develop confidence, and make more informed life decisions before settling down.

The conversation has once again highlighted the broader societal debate over the appropriate age for marriage, with many emphasizing that while guidance can be valuable, the decision ultimately remains a personal one based on maturity, preparedness, and individual life goals.