By Stanley Ugagbe
Week-in-week-out, celebrities have made it a point of duty to take turns to thrill their fans and the society with one trend or the other. While some of these trends seem to be premeditated for business purposes and fame, others seem to be natural happenings. However the motives behind the trends, these celebrities are really enjoying massive publicity.
In recent weeks, 20-year-old Nollywood actress, Regina Daniels set the Internet ablaze after she defied all odds to say “Yes I do” to Billionaire, Ned Nwoko.
The development which has been a burning issue in the public has been eliciting diverse views from the populace. While some have commended her for the bold step and urged her to follow her heart, others have strongly criticized her.
Our correspondent, Stanley Ugagbe took the street of Nigeria to ask residents what they feel about the development.
Mrs. Kate Anyaepia a business tycoon said “If I were Regina Daniels I will just focus on my goal. In life people must make use of their mouth. So let them talk. The girl made the choice and nobody forced her to. So let her be. She has her reasons for that. Instead of condemning her they should have quietly asked her why she did it. Maybe they will even have more reasons to do the same. After all, there is no specific age between two people before they can marry. Biblically I have not even seen why two adults should not marry because of their age difference”.
Ozor Blessing, a youth corps member has this to say “Being a public figure is one thing; one has to be very careful dealing with the masses. To me I would say the poor girl gave them (media) the best answer which was to keep mute, because only her know the reason behind her actions when there are a lot of young guys coming for her. On the other hand if I was the one, I will clarify my fans out there regarding the news and all of that, so that the respect and fans love would still be there”.
Matilda Edwin said “She has her life to live and her choice to make. It’s her decision and probably be enjoying it. If actually there was nothing she would gain from it,, she wouldn’t do it….Truth is…..It’s her life,, let her live her life the way she wants just like every other person does.I think people should stop the criticism and concentrate on their own lives instead of meddling into other peoples affairs. Regina, hold your flex tight, no reason them”.
Joyce Okiti, a lawyer said “I can’t marry a man as old as my father even if he can afford to give me the whole world. 1. Marriage to me is more than living with someone or bearing children. 2. Marriage to me is partnership, working on a common purpose with my spouse. 3. Being married to a much older person will rob me the beauty of building something for myself. Because he would have already built up everything he wanted for himself before my arrival. 4. I don’t think I can ever find a much older man sexually appealing. We won’t connect sexually”.
Funmilayo Omowole, a 200-level student said “If I were to be Regina am good to go. I won’t look at anybody or listen to anybody’s opinion towards me. I love the old man and willing to spend the rest of my life with him. I am happy in the marriage what else am I looking for I will follow my heart. Happiness is the number one thing in marriage I can’t just marry someone I don’t love so I love the old man that is why I chose him among others”.
It would be recalled that popular comedienne, Helen Paul took to her Instagram page to say “Hypocrisy of the highest order, ladies are used to killing and condemning each other. Do you know what she has gone through? Do you know what pushed her and her family to go into such a marriage? There are people who get married at an older age and their husbands are using them as punching bag. Why are we quick to judge women? The woman did this, the woman did that, What about the men? Please let us leave issues that are sorted and focus on matters that truly need attention. Nigeria is so big. Plenty problems to be solved o…Everybody na sinner! Better matter no go trend o”.
From the views above, one can deduce that the society is currently at a phase where everyone is free to do whatever pleases them irrespective of what others may think. How about you? What do you think about the development? Will you marry a man of that age if you were as young as Regina Daniels?
