Nigerian comedian Bovi has criticised the conservative stance many parents have adopted toward dating, stating that it has contributed to the increasing instability of modern marriages.
Speaking on ‘The Honest Bunch Podcast’, Bovi dissected the cultural paradox that sees parents shielding their children from the opposite sex, only to later demand updates on marriage plans.
“Parents in Nigeria are funny. They tell their kids not to interact with the opposite sex, almost as if it’s a crime. But then, one day out of the blue, they’ll be asking, ‘So when are we meeting your boyfriend or girlfriend?’ How is that supposed to happen when you’ve spent years telling them to avoid relationships?” he quizzed.
Reflecting on his youth, Bovi painted a nostalgic picture of a time when relationships were shrouded in secrecy.
He recalled how young couples relied on love letters, coded notes, and hushed conversations to express their feelings, with the ever-present fear of parental discovery often forcing them into a cycle of deception.
“I remember when asking a girl out felt like preparing for a secret mission. If her parents found out, you are finished. So, we found ways around it, love notes, discreet meetings, anything to avoid drama. But that’s not healthy. It sets the stage for a lack of transparency later in life,” he stated.
He emphasised that overprotection during adolescence robs young people of the opportunity to develop emotional maturity.
“If you don’t let them date and understand relationships early, how do they learn? Marriage doesn’t suddenly make people experts in handling relationships,” he argued.
Bovi then urged parents to balance guidance and freedom, allowing their children to date when they’ve reached a reasonable level of maturity.
“We need to trust our kids more and teach them how to build honest and respectful relationships. That’s the foundation for strong marriages, not this culture of secrecy and fear.”
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