A teenage couple from Kwande Local Government Area in Benue State is set to tie the knot on August 30, 2024, igniting a heated discussion on early marriage.
The couple, Comfort and Hyacinth, both in their teenage years, has drawn significant attention from the public, with many expressing concerns about their age and readiness for such a commitment.
The issue gained widespread attention when Nigerian activist Comrade Israel Joe voiced his opinion on the matter through a social media post.
In his post, Mr. Joe questioned the wisdom of the young couple’s decision to marry at such an early age, citing concerns about their emotional maturity and the challenges that often come with early marriages.
“Congratulations to them,” Mr. Joe began, acknowledging the couple’s forthcoming union. “But these ones, who are not even 18 years old, do they really understand what marriage entails?
“Divorce might be waiting for them down the road. I’m not wishing them ill, but I’m simply stating the obvious. You may not like what I’m saying, but I have my own opinions on these matters.”
The activist expressed doubts about the couple’s ability to sustain their marriage as they grow older and become more self-aware. “When they fully realize themselves, they might discover that they are not meant to be partners,” Mr. Joe continued.
“One issue with early marriage is self-realization, which often comes with time. When that happens, social class differences and other factors might cause attraction to fade.”
In his post, Mr. Joe also emphasised that marriage is more than just infatuation or love. He warned that the couple might face difficulties in the future if they marry without fully understanding the responsibilities and challenges that come with marriage.
“Does this mean I don’t wish them well? I do. In fact, I wish them a very big congratulations, but as the saying goes, ‘what a child does not understand in the morning, they will understand in the evening.'”
The story of Comfort and Hyacinth is not an isolated case in Nigeria, where early marriage remains a deeply rooted issue, especially in rural areas.
According to a 2018 report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Nigeria has one of the highest rates of child marriage in the world, with an estimated 44% of girls married before the age of 18. This statistic highlights the ongoing challenge of addressing early marriage in the country, despite efforts by the government and various non-governmental organizations to curb the practice.
Early marriage often leads to numerous challenges for young girls, including limited educational opportunities, early pregnancies, and increased vulnerability to domestic violence. These issues not only affect the girls themselves but also have broader implications for their communities and the country as a whole.
The teens’ planned wedding has sparked a wave of heated reactions across social media platforms.
Tina Ugo’s post about the couple’s apparent youth echoed sentiments of hope that they might grow into their relationship over time. “They can equally grow up and realize that they were made for each other,” she suggested optimistically, though her words were met with mixed reactions.
Charles Chichebem Iroegbu raised concerns about the societal implications of such early marriages. “Do they not have parents?” he questioned. “This is a big failure from even the society. I mean, it’s still adults who’ll preside over the ceremony. They all should help them to know that this may not be the right time for marriage.”
Emmanuel Shebbs provided a legal perspective, noting that while teenagers can marry with parental consent if they are over 18, such marriages are voidable if the individuals are under 18.
“The facts of this matter are unclear,” he observed, adding that cultural traditions might play a role in the couple’s decision. He emphasized that infatuation and youthful impulsiveness should not be mistaken for genuine love.
Sunshine Mary and other commenters like Caroline Tim and Christiana Nkem voiced frustration and confusion. Mary bluntly suggested that “The parents should be arrested,” reflecting a growing sense of disillusionment.
Some, like Vincent Nwosu, argued that such marriages could be a form of child neglect. “Their parents should be arrested for child neglect honestly. Children that should be maybe in JSS 3,” he said, implying that the children are too young to make such life-altering decisions.
On the other hand, some people expressed skepticism about age as a determinant of marital success. “Unfortunately, age has nothing to do with the success of a marriage,” one commenter noted, advocating for the idea that personal readiness and maturity are more crucial than mere age.
