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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

Don’t Go Abroad for Omugwo Without Your Husband, Pastor Advises Women

From The Punch · (7m ago) English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • A Nigerian marriage counselor advises women against prolonged absences abroad for 'Omugwo' (caring for newborns), citing risks to marriages.
  • Pastor Bisi Adewale warns that such extended stays can leave elderly husbands vulnerable and endanger marital bonds.
  • He advocates for couples to travel together and emphasizes the evolving roles of wives as companions, caregivers, and nurses throughout a marriage.

In a widely shared video on his Facebook page, Nigerian marriage counselor Pastor Bisi Adewale issued a stern warning to women regarding the practice of 'Omugwo,' the tradition of mothers or mothers-in-law traveling abroad to assist with newborns. Adewale, founder of Family Booster Ministry International and the College of Marital Success, cautioned that extended stays, particularly in countries like Canada, can severely jeopardize marriages and leave elderly husbands in vulnerable situations.

Another thing I hate is for a woman to escape to Canada to go and do Omugwo for three years. Very bad. Very, very bad. Now a 75-year-old man is now going all around buying boli, buying groundnut, at his age. It is not good.

— Pastor Bisi AdewaleExpressing disapproval of prolonged 'Omugwo' trips abroad.

Adewale shared a personal anecdote, revealing a pact he made with his wife: they would always travel together, regardless of where their children reside. He stressed that even if children offer accommodation abroad, he would opt for a hotel nearby to ensure they remain together. This personal commitment underscores his belief in the paramount importance of spousal presence throughout life's stages.

I told my wife, I said the children may move abroad. They can do everything. If you are going for Omugwo anywhere, we are going together.

— Pastor Bisi AdewaleSharing his personal commitment to spousal unity.

He further illustrated his point using medical scenarios, questioning who a doctor would ask about a young boy (his mother) versus an elderly man (his wife). Adewale also cautioned men against abusing their wives, warning that such actions could destroy their own futures. He elaborated on the evolving roles of a wife – from mistress in youth to mother figure in middle age, and crucially, a nurse in old age, emphasizing that this final stage requires the most mutual support. The counselor's advice directly addresses cultural practices and marital dynamics, urging a re-evaluation of traditions that might inadvertently weaken marital bonds.

When you are beating your wife when you are young, you are destroying your old age.

— Pastor Bisi AdewaleWarning men about the long-term consequences of marital abuse.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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