In recent times, the sanctity of marriage has been attacked, with many doubting its true essence apart from childbearing and poverty alleviation. In Nigeria, marriage is no longer what we were taught or made to believe because many families built their teachings on lies. When their children leave home and enter marriage, they encounter a different reality that sweeps them off their feet.
There is a saying that girls marry who is ready and not who they love. Whether you like it or not, this is absolutely true in its entirety, and it is one of the reasons why infidelity is rampant in society, especially in Nigeria. There is little existence of love in relationships because many who marry have their hearts and souls tied to their “ex” while only their bodies remain with their partners. If the said partner is not physically present, the marriage turns into a “WiFi marriage,” popularly known as an “abroad marriage.”
WiFi marriage has destroyed the true essence of marriage in Nigeria. How can someone marry a full-blooded woman and leave her in Nigeria while staying abroad for months or even years, expecting her to be loyal? The man doing this knows how difficult it is for him to stay two weeks without a woman. He is not under any oath of celibacy but expects another human being to remain celibate. This woman, who has emotional and physical needs, likely had a boyfriend she loved but married someone else because he was “ready.” Yet, the WiFi husband expects her to suppress all feelings while he enjoys himself abroad.
As humans, we have needs—financial, spiritual, housing, and “the other room” needs. How can someone expect a woman to be different from the rest, claiming she is celibate, and you believe it? How can a man who has a mistress abroad expect his wife in Nigeria to remain faithful or resort to machines? In some cases, they even suggest virtual intimacy—what an anomaly!
WiFi marriages encourage infidelity because they remove the core foundation of marriage: companionship. A woman left alone for years is bound to seek comfort elsewhere. The man who abandoned her may think he has secured loyalty through financial support, but emotions and physical needs cannot be bought. Eventually, both partners live separate lives, engaging in affairs, while still claiming to be married.
This kind of arrangement has made infidelity a norm. Many women trapped in WiFi marriages no longer see anything wrong with having affairs, as they feel neglected and emotionally starved. The society, which once frowned upon cheating, now normalizes it under the guise of “coping mechanisms.” Even religious teachings against adultery are now ignored because many believe WiFi marriages are unrealistic.
The worst part is that children born into these marriages grow up seeing their parents living separate lives. They witness infidelity, lack of emotional connection, and a broken home disguised as a functional marriage. This cycle repeats itself, leading to a generation that no longer values true commitment. If this trend continues, the institution of marriage in Nigeria will lose its meaning entirely.
By Sebastine chukwuebuka Okafor Bookastro.
