Why Chude Jideonwo gave up on marriage and having kids

Media personality Chude Jideonwo is opening up about something many people silently battle with — the pressure to marry.

In a recent chat, Chude shared that in his 20s, he was eager to get married, thinking it was the solution to a deep feeling of loneliness.

“So when I was in my 20s, I was desperate to get married. I was very lonely for some reason. I was succeeding, but I didn’t feel so complete. Now I know it was loneliness. I just felt a wife was going to cure me of loneliness,” he said in a Twitter video shared by OneJobLessBoy.

Today, Chude admits that rush is completely gone. He no longer feels the need to marry just to fill a void.

Despite facing constant pressure — and even shaming — from people who believe his financial stability means he must settle down and have kids, Chude is choosing his own peace and timing over society’s expectations.

Chude Jideonwo is a Nigerian media entrepreneur, TV host, filmmaker, and author, renowned for his work in African media and storytelling. He co-founded RED | For Africa, a leading media group, and Joy, Inc., a company focused on human flourishing. Jideonwo is the host of the multimedia platform #WithChude, where he engages influential figures in conversations aimed at inspiring audiences. His career also includes launching key brands like YNaija and leading communications strategies for presidential campaigns in Nigeria and Ghana.

In addition to his media ventures, Jideonwo has authored books, including His Father’s Knickers and How to Win Elections in Africa: Parallels with Donald Trump. His efforts have earned him recognition such as being named a Yale World Fellow and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree. He also serves as board chair of The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs).