Youthful Revolution: The Rise of Celibacy Amongst Young Nigerians Defying Societal Norms
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Timilehin never wants to have sex in his lifetime. As a naive teenager, he confided in his pastor’s wife about his decision not to get married, only to be criticized as selfish. Despite the passage of almost two decades, his view remains unchanged. In fact, he has discovered a community of like-minded individuals who, in the era of hyper-sexualization, have embraced celibacy, the puriteen movement and willingly forego sex and long-term relationships.
This trend is not limited to Nigeria alone; young people worldwide are engaging in fewer sexual activities, resisting the institution of marriage, and embracing divorce. According to a report titled “Prevalence and Patterns of Marital Dissolution in Nigeria” by the Nigerian Journal of Sociology and Anthropology, 30% of marriages in the country end in divorce. Furthermore, the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative’s report reveals that only 25% of young Nigerians are currently sexually active.
The reasons behind this decline are multifaceted. Economic downturns have rendered many unable to afford relationships, while the rising cost of housing has left them with little privacy for intimate encounters. Additionally, some young Nigerians seek to emigrate from the country, which diminishes their desire for long-term commitments. These factors, among others, contribute to the decreasing prevalence of sexual activity among young Nigerians.
Timilehin, a lifelong puriteen, perceives his decision not to engage in sex as more asexual than anti-sex. He acknowledges that sex is a fundamental human need, but believes that it varies in significance among individuals. In his words, “It is not on the same level as nourishment. It is just recreation.”
Defying Societal Norms: Young Nigerians Embrace Celibacy and Challenge Sexual Expectations
Hannah, who now works in the tech industry, initially associated sex with promiscuity during her university years. However, after joining X (formerly Twitter), she gained a better understanding of the gender disparities surrounding sexual behavior. This realization led her to reject sex altogether, except within the confines of marriage.
Both Timilehin and Hannah have faced numerous questions and challenges regarding their decisions. Rather than seeking to understand their convictions, people tend to question their choices from a standpoint of what is considered “right.” The strangeness and otherness of their attitudes confound those who perceive sexual activity as a normative behavior.
Living in a society that exerts immense pressure on young individuals to settle down, marry, and start families, how do they navigate a life without such prospects? Timilehin, for one, claims to have never felt this pressure and even suspects that men may feign it. He finds contentment in his friendships and the prospect of having children, while also being comfortable with solitude.
As for Hannah, she simply wishes to be left alone and not be interrogated about her decision. She asserts that there is no problem; it is merely a matter of personal choice.
In conclusion, an increasing number of young Nigerians are opting to abstain from sex and eschew long-term relationships. Economic factors, housing costs, immigration, and individual convictions all contribute to this shift in behavior. While society may challenge their decisions, these young individuals remain steadfast in their choices, seeking fulfillment through alternative means and emphasizing personal autonomy.
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To me sex is overrated, there are people that deem it a necessity, I just don’t understand. But be it recreation or pleasure, it is something participants regular enjoy, one of a kind experience
Nice write up, youth needs to understand that sex is not essential at this stage of their lives but achieving their goals should be their priority.
For one to strive higher in life he or she needs to learn abstinence.