A popular Kano-based television presenter, Naomi Nancy David, has stirred social media debate after stating that it is better for a man to marry an unemployed woman who respects him than a successful one who does not.
David, known for her outspoken opinions on relationships and social values, made the remark during a live audience discussion on Tuesday, where she addressed what she described as the “growing disregard for respect in modern marriages.”
According to her, respect and emotional understanding should remain the foundation of any relationship, not financial status or professional achievement. “It’s better for a man to marry a woman who may not have a job but respects him and contributes positively to his peace of mind than to marry a successful woman who constantly looks down on him,” she said.
Her comment quickly gained traction online, sparking diverse reactions among Nigerians. While some agreed with her position, emphasizing the importance of humility and mutual respect, others criticized her statement as outdated and dismissive of women’s achievements.
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One social media user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “Naomi is right. Many homes today are broken because couples focus more on money and less on respect.” Another user countered, “Respect should be mutual. Employment status doesn’t determine who deserves respect or not.”
David, who hosts a popular talk show on a local television station in Kano, further clarified that her statement was not intended to demean successful women but to highlight the imbalance in expectations between partners. “A woman’s success should never replace her values or how she treats her husband,” she added. “The same goes for men. No one should feel too powerful to respect their partner.”
Relationship experts also weighed in on the conversation, with some agreeing that emotional compatibility and mutual respect are often overlooked in modern relationships. Psychologist Dr. Halima Musa noted that while financial stability is important, respect and communication are stronger predictors of marital satisfaction. “Naomi’s view touches on a critical truth,” Musa said. “Money may attract people, but respect sustains the bond.”
Others, however, cautioned against using unemployment as a virtue. Gender advocate and lawyer, Fatima Yusuf, argued that promoting dependency under the guise of respect reinforces negative stereotypes about women. “We should teach men and women to value respect equally while also encouraging economic independence. A respectful, independent woman is not a threat but a partner,” she said.
The discussion reflects an ongoing societal tension between traditional marital expectations and the evolving roles of women in the workforce. As more Nigerian women pursue higher education and successful careers, conversations around ego, respect, and gender balance in relationships have become more prominent.
For Naomi Nancy David, her message remains simple: “Marry peace, not pride. Whether a person is rich or poor, respect is what keeps love alive.”
Her words continue to echo across social media, fueling yet another round of national reflection on love, values, and the balance between success and humility in Nigerian marriages.