Veteran Nollywood actor Emeka Ike has defended the institution of love and marriage, saying relationships only become deceptive when they are built on undisclosed financial intentions.
Speaking in an interview with BBC News Pidgin that gained widespread attention on Friday, the actor expressed concern over what he described as the increasing use of romantic relationships as a means of securing financial support.
According to Ike, love is meant to be genuine and fulfilling, but problems arise when one partner enters a relationship with expectations that are never made clear to the other.
He argued that pursuing a relationship solely for material gain amounts to deception, adding that people should be honest about their intentions instead of disguising financial interests as affection.
The actor claimed that some young women now view relationships primarily as opportunities for financial benefit. He said those seeking monetary assistance should ask for help directly rather than presenting romantic interest as a pathway to personal gain.
Ike maintained that love should remain the foundation of every successful relationship, urging Nigerians to stop treating marriage as a transaction and instead approach it with honesty, commitment and mutual respect.
He also addressed the influence of social media on modern marriages, warning against comparing real-life relationships with carefully curated content online.
The actor advised women not to model their marriages after those they see on social media, noting that every relationship has its own unique circumstances and challenges.
According to him, strong marriages are built on patience, communication, understanding and the willingness of partners to support one another through difficult times.
Ike further argued that many of the failed relationships widely discussed online do not reflect the reality of most marriages. He encouraged couples to focus on resolving issues within their own homes rather than allowing outside opinions to shape their decisions.
He concluded by calling on Nigerians to preserve the sanctity of love and marriage through sincerity, trust and a shared commitment to building lasting relationships.
