Nollywood actress Ruth Kadiri has advised young couples to avoid spending excessively on wedding ceremonies, warning that elaborate celebrations can place unnecessary pressure on marriages.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

News reports that the mother of two shared her advice in a video posted on her Instagram page, where she discussed the mental and emotional challenges couples may face when preparing for marriage.

Kadiri explained that while some people enjoy dating and spending time with their partners, they begin to develop fears about marriage when confronted with the responsibilities, expectations and pressures associated with it.

According to the actress, expensive wedding ceremonies can add to these anxieties and make the transition into married life more difficult for couples.

She said, “I do think that big weddings put pressure on couples; it puts pressure on the marriage itself. Big weddings, it puts pressure on people, and they don’t seem to have realised that. They don’t seem to have realised that because I’m not just talking about spiritually or what; I’m talking about mentally.

“Do you know that people have a phobia, a fear? People naturally have a fear of what marriage is. But they could date, they will date this girl, love her, be with her every day, every day, every day and then after this whole damn ceremony, have you asked yourself what changed? Married, that wedding is part of what changed.”

The actress encouraged young couples to embrace simpler wedding arrangements, suggesting that they could fulfil traditional marriage requirements, pay the bride price, conduct a court wedding and hold a modest celebration with close family and friends.

She argued that couples should prioritise their relationship and future together rather than feel compelled to organise expensive ceremonies to satisfy societal expectations.

Kadiri also observed that some couples only begin to fully appreciate the reality of marriage months after their wedding celebrations have ended.

Reflecting on her own experience, she said she believed avoiding excessive wedding pressure had contributed to her successful marriage, which she said had lasted about seven years.

She added that she had seen couples separate only two months after getting married, warning young people against allowing societal expectations to dictate their decisions.

The actress further criticised the pressure Nigerian society places on couples to organise engagement ceremonies, traditional weddings, white weddings and court weddings, noting that some people wrongly believe their marriages will fail if they do not complete every stage.

Kadiri also raised concerns about the potential risks of inviting people into private family affairs, cautioning couples against exposing themselves to unnecessary scrutiny.

Beyond marriage, she urged the younger generation to challenge other societal expectations, particularly the pressure parents place on their children to succeed financially and bring money home.

She maintained that young Nigerians need to rethink these expectations and make choices that prioritise their emotional well-being and long-term happiness.

Reality TV star Natacha Akide, popularly known as Tacha, has urged the organisers of Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) to take a break from the show, rethink their strategy and introduce fresh ideas to attract viewers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Nollywood actors have expressed grief over the death of their colleague, Francis Duru, describing his passing as a devastating loss to the Nigerian film industry. They paid tribute to the veteran performer, whose contributions to Nollywood spanned several decades.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

reports that Duru died on Friday at the age of 57 following a brief illness, less than two years after the death of his 15-year-old son, Ifeanyi.

Following the news of his demise, several Nollywood stars took to their social media pages to express their sadness and honour his memory.

Veteran actor Kanayo O. Kanayo described Duru as a consummate actor and one of Nigeria’s most versatile and prolific performers.

In a post on his Instagram page, Kanayo wrote, “A consummate actor has left the stage. One of the most flexible, prolific performers Nigeria ever produced. Rest in peace, my brother.”

Similarly, actress Stephanie Linus described the actor’s death as tragic and heartbreaking, while praying for God to comfort his family during the difficult period.

She wrote, “Such a tragic and heartbreaking loss. May God grant his family the strength and fortitude to bear this loss. May his soul rest in peace. RIP Francis Duru.”

Meanwhile, Mercy Johnson-Okojie admitted that she was overwhelmed by the news and struggled to find the right words to express her grief.

In her tribute, she stated, “Too tired and speechless about this loss.”

Actress Kate Henshaw also reflected on the fleeting nature of life as she prayed for the late actor’s soul to rest in peace and for his family to find comfort.

She said, “Like a flame gone out, so are our lives when it all ends. God grant him eternal rest and comfort his family.”

Francis Duru rose to prominence for his portrayal of Ahanna in Amaka Igwe’s classic film, Rattlesnake. He went on to build a career spanning more than three decades, earning recognition as one of Nollywood’s respected performers.