Media personality and actress Toke Makinwa has ignited conversations on social media after expressing the view that women should not marry in their 20s, arguing that the period is better suited for self-discovery and personal growth.
Makinwa made the remarks during a recent episode of her podcast, Toke Moments, where she hosted reality television star Tacha. The discussion centred on relationships, marriage and the expectations society places on women.
According to the broadcaster, many women who marry at a young age often do so before fully understanding themselves, their aspirations or the kind of partner they truly need. She suggested that this lack of self-awareness can lead to regret later in life.
“Women have no business getting married in their 20s… You don’t even know yourself yet. Those who did are regretting it now. Even those who are still married if they are being honest, they will tell you that they shouldn’t have rushed it,” Makinwa said during the podcast.
She argued that a person’s 20s are typically a period of growth, self-discovery and significant life changes, making it difficult to make long-term commitments such as marriage with complete certainty.
Joining the conversation, Tacha offered a different perspective by recalling a popular saying from her mother about the realities of marriage. She likened the institution to something that often appears more attractive from the outside than it feels to those already in it.
“My mum says marriage is like an institution. Those inside want to get out, those outside can’t wait to get in,” she said.
The remarks have since generated mixed reactions online, with some agreeing that individuals should focus on building themselves before settling down, while others argued that there is no universal age for marriage and that readiness depends on personal circumstances rather than age alone.
Makinwa’s comments add to the ongoing debate about changing attitudes toward marriage, particularly among younger generations, where career goals, financial stability and personal fulfilment are increasingly influencing decisions about when, or whether, to marry.
