A renewed call for Nigerian youths to rethink the meaning of spinsterhood and bachelorhood dominated discussions on Friday at the 3rd Annual General Conference of the Lineage of Grace Initiative for Family Foundation (LOGIFF), held at Sweet Sensation Hall, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta.
The conference, themed “Changing the Narrative – Re-defining Spinsterhood and Bachelorhood,” also coincided with the 47th birthday celebration of LOGIFF’s founder, Pastor (Mrs.) Modupeola Arowosafe.
In her welcome address, Arowosafe said the foundation was committed to building a society where young people are equipped with the values, confidence and skills needed to live meaningful lives rather than bow to societal pressures around marriage.
“Our vision is to nurture a healthier and more vibrant society by empowering young minds with the value and confidence they need to thrive,” she said.
“We are committed to supporting the most disadvantaged in society and ensuring no one is left behind.”
Arowosafe also announced plans to develop the Lineage of Grace Village, a two-hectare facility to house an old people’s home, an orphanage, a school and love huts — which she described as a sanctuary of hope for vulnerable groups.
Delivering the first keynote address, leadership missionary and founder of Shepherd Hill Business School, Dr. Tade Ayodele, urged young Nigerians to embrace resilience and self-development rather than build their future around fear or negative stories about marriage.
“It is what you see that you will become,” he said. “You can have a terrible background, but don’t let your back be on the ground.”
Ayodele advised singles to “start something” with their lives, stop overthinking, and surround themselves with a supportive tribe.
“If you don’t have people to call in times of need, it’s time to change your company,” he said.
The Deputy Treasurer of the APC UK and founder of Best Buddy Scholarship, Mrs. Abimbola Fasanu, challenged participants to subject themselves to self-examination before considering marriage.
“Ask yourself: Why do I want to marry? Marriage is fantastic, but it must not be your life’s focus,” she said.
“Marriage does not cure loneliness. Your happiness matters more.”
She stressed the need for financial, emotional, physical and mental readiness, warning singles not to treat marriage as an escape from societal pressures.
Business developer and management consultant, Pastor Samson Odegbenin, highlighted what he called the six mysteries of life — spiritual, mental, emotional, relationship, financial and physical — urging youths to master each if they hope to build a stable future.
“You cannot be desperate and accurate at the same time,” he warned.
“Don’t marry for now; marry for the future.”
Odegbenin insisted that high-value individuals must cultivate impact, influence and income, and avoid emotions such as envy, jealousy, anger, hatred or bitterness.
Founder of Moss Consulting & Counseling Services, Mrs. Uche Adaze Adedigba, told participants that singlehood is not a setback but a season of preparation.
“Marriage will only amplify who you are — it doesn’t change you,” she said.
“Be an example of purity in your lifestyle, digital choices and relationships.”
She emphasised emotional maturity, spiritual grounding and purpose as prerequisites for marriage.
Youth advocate, Comrade Lawal Afeez Olamide, noted that singlehood should be seen as a journey of self-discovery rather than a period of waiting.
“Marriage does not make a man responsible — preparation does,” he said.
“Singlehood is not a waiting room; it is a workshop.”
He advised youths to pursue education, personal growth and spiritual maturity, warning that “you can’t heal what you hide.”
In her closing remarks, Arowosafe reiterated that while marriage is beautiful, it should not be treated as the ultimate benchmark of success.
“Marriage will be fulfilling only when you refuse to fall in love blindly,” she said.
“Discover your weaknesses and address them. A good marriage is about two healthy people.”
She encouraged young adults to aim high in their careers, develop capacity, and build a strong character that can sustain future relationships.
“Assets don’t like liabilities,” she added. “Success is a journey with many stops — enjoy each phase and prepare yourself.”
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