NIGERIA: ‘Don’t Give Up Your Dreams for Marriage’ – Actress Tina Mba Advises Female Entertainers

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

One of Nigeria’s respected Nollywood actresses, Tina Mba, has advised women in the entertainment industry not to throw away their careers because of marriage.

Speaking in a recent interview, the veteran actress spoke openly about the pressure many women face to leave their jobs once they get married, especially in showbiz. But for Mba, women need to stand their ground and protect their dreams.

She said: “He met you as an actor, he married you as an actor, there was no issue of you leaving this job because I am insecure or because we need to raise children.”

She explained that many women enter marriage with hopes that their partner will support their career, only to face resistance once the vows are exchanged.

She further noted, “Then you got married thinking that now you are going to fly, and the man comes and tells you, ‘No, you’re going to sit.’”

Mba continued as she emphasised that she believes women should talk things through with their partners before getting married and, if necessary, even make things official in writing.

She said, “See, the signs are always there. Don’t ignore it. Watch him, watch her. You need to discuss with the person. If need be, you need to sign an undertaking that you would not make me leave my career. Did he leave his job?”

The actress made it clear that while marriage is a beautiful thing, it shouldn’t come at the cost of a woman’s ambition.

Mba added, “Marriage is important, but nobody put a gun to my head or to your head to do it. There are so many people in this world. If this doesn’t work, another may work. You will meet a soulmate, someone who will be supportive. Just be true to yourself. Don’t go for the dazzles, be an antique babe like me.”