HOW EXPENSIVE MARRIAGE COULD BE-5 EXPENSIVE CULTURES TO MARRY FROM IN NIGERIA

As the population of Nigeria is high, so is the cost of marrying a Nigerian lady. It’s not uncommon to see long list of items given to the groom, which he must fulfill in order for the traditional marriage rites to be conducted. At times, marriages are put on hold till the groom meet up with the financial obligations necessary for the marriage to be termed “successful”. Today, I thought it wise to pre-inform you about the five most seemingly expensive cultures in Nigeria where traditional marriage rites are expensive to achieve.

1. Marriage In Annang Land
   Annang is the second largest ethnic group in Akwa Ibom state, located in southern Nigeria. Any man that desire a lady from here must be ready to pay the price, both in items and cash. The items for the traditional marriage rites might include bags of rice, garri, goats, a cow ( if the lady is the first daughter), kitchen utensils, cassava, firewood, fowls, bags of salt, bitter cola, garden eggs, pepper, among other items. Money for cooking for that day is demanded, followed by heavy bride price (which might be up to half a million naira or more). The advancement of the bride educationally or in career might influence the cost, as highly educated ones attract higher cost. It’s more costly to marry a university graduate. Although the above list could be argued and adjusted based on families understanding, the groom should better be prepared to avoid embarrassment on the D-day.

1. Marriage In Ogoja Land
   Residing in Cross River state of Nigeria, the people of Ogoja give out their ladies in marriage in a similar way to the annang. Though the cultural disposition is different, the cost of marrying an Ogoja lady is high. Thus, the groom must be financially buoyant.

1. Marriage In Ibibio Land

The Ibibio people of Akwa Ibom state are next in line in the list of high cost traditional marriage rites. Here, the list may include a car for the bride’s father, a lady bike for the bride’s mother, among other expensive items.

1. Marriage In Efik Land

Besides the dancing and beautiful traditional displays of lovely attires, heavy financial commitment is involved to make the Efik traditional marriage a success. This responsibility rest only on the groom and his family. Here, it’s customary for the groom to organize a carnival as a platform to celebrate the rites. Located in Cross River state, southern Nigeria, the Efik people have a very rich culture which also affect their marital rites.

1. Marriage In Ngwo Land

The Ngwo people are of Igbo origin, residing in enugu state, south-east Nigeria. The philosophy behind the high cost of marriage here is that the more the groom spend for the traditional marriage rites, the more he proves his ability to take care of the bribe. They seem to use the display of financial obligations of the groom to measure his wealth, thus his capability in taking care of their daughter.

My Observation

The high cost of marriage in different parts of Nigeria has contributed immensely to the high number of single, but matured men and women in the country. Now, people prefer to date for a longer period than marry, because of the financial burden involved in the one day event. So, when next you see a single Nigerian man, don’t ask ‘ why are you not married yet?’, rather ask ‘ do you have the money to marry?’.

Thank you for stopping by my blog.

                         Asian George

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