Popular Nigerian dancer Kaffy Shafau has attributed the collapse of her marriage to a lack of proper understanding of what marriage requires.
Speaking during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Kaffy admitted that she entered into marriage without adequate preparation, a situation she believes is common among many couples.
The dancer, who was married to Joseph Ameh from June 2012 until their divorce in January 2022, said societal and parental guidance often fall short in equipping individuals for the realities of married life.
According to her, marriage should be approached as a structured commitment that requires intentional learning and preparation. She stressed that relying solely on observation or upbringing is not sufficient to build a successful union.
Kaffy proposed a more rigorous process for intending couples, recommending counselling, mental health evaluations, and even drug testing as part of pre-marital requirements. She also suggested the introduction of a year-long programme focused on human behavioural sciences before couples are allowed to marry.
Expressing concern over current practices, she noted that obtaining a marriage certificate appears easier than securing a driver’s licence, despite the significant impact marriage has on individuals, families, and society at large.
Kaffy warned that inadequate preparation can have lasting consequences, not only for couples but also for the children they may raise, urging a more deliberate and informed approach to marriage.
Her comments have sparked conversations around the importance of emotional readiness, mental health, and education in building stable relationships.
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