Some residents of Dutse in Jigawa have expressed concern over the increasing delay in marriage among young women in the state.
They attributed the trend to unemployment, rising cost of living, societal norms and other marriage-related challenges.
The residents, who spoke in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Dutse, said the trend had become a source of concern to many parents and families.
Mr Kamal Yusuf, a social activist, said studies indicated that in many communities across Nigeria, residents and leaders were expressing deep concern over late marriages among girls.
He noted that while child marriage remained a major problem, the shift toward delaying marriage often past age 25 or 30, was sparking intense debate due to traditional, social, and economic anxieties.
Mr Jamilu Sabo, a resident, said although he had two daughters who attained marriageable age, securing committed suitors remained difficult.
“I have two daughters who are due for marriage, but many young men who show interest often withdraw once they are asked to formalise the marriage contract,” he said.
Sabo attributed the situation to unemployment and lack of stable means of livelihood among young men.
He urged parents and intending couples to avoid unnecessary demands capable of making marriage difficult.
“If it were left to me alone, payment of dowry would be enough because marriage should not be made difficult,” he said.
Another resident, Mr Ibrahim Sule said he was worried over the future of his three daughters who reached adulthood.
“I have already married off four daughters, but three are still at home and all have reached marriageable age. Suitors come, but they disappear once asked to bring their parents,” he said.
Sule said the rising cost of household items, particularly furniture, had compounded the challenge facing many parents.
“Sometimes, whenever I think about the cost of setting up homes for my daughters, I become deeply worried. But ultimately, I believe Allah will make things easy,” he added.
Mr Sa’idu Abubakar said many young men appeared unprepared for the responsibilities associated with marriage.
“Some young men appear flashy and well-dressed, but many lack stable sources of livelihood. Marriage comes with enormous responsibilities,” he said.
Also commenting, Idris Garba, a suitor, blamed delayed marriages on unrealistic expectations by some families and societal pressure around wedding ceremonies.
He said some parents preferred wealthy suitors, thereby discouraging serious young men from seeking marriage.
“Young men should marry within their means and avoid setting unrealistic standards for themselves,” he said.
Another suitor, Dahiru Bello attributed the trend to increase pressure mounted on young men to organise elaborate wedding ceremonies and provide expensive gifts.
“There is too much pressure on young men to organise elaborate ceremonies and this often forces many to postpone marriage,” he said.
However, Miss Fatima Isah accused young men of lacking genuine intentions.
She said that many young men appear decent on the surface, but marriage is not their real objective.
Corroborating Isah, Miss Fadila Nasir lamented that some young men withdrew from relationships once they realised that it would not serve their interests.
On his part, Abdulkarim Sidi, an Islamic scholar, advised parents to embrace modesty and simplicity in marriage in line with Islamic teachings.
Sidi said that Islam emphasised good character, modest dowry and simplicity rather than excessive social demands.
He said that Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon Him), demonstrated that marriage should be made easy.
According to Sidi, current realities demand that we simplify marriage processes for the benefit of our youths.
The cleric enjoined parents and intending couples to shun bad cultural practices and embrace those that make marriage more affordable and accessible. (NAN)
