In a piece of advice that has sparked widespread conversation online, a Nigerian marriage counsellor has urged married women to take proactive steps to secure their financial futures. Shamseddin Giwa, a therapist and father of four, emphasized the unpredictable nature of marital relationships and the need for logical planning.
The Core Advice: Secure Your Assets
Shamseddin Giwa delivered his message in a detailed Facebook post on Monday, January 12, 2026. While he strongly advocates for women to be fully committed to nurturing their marriages, he simultaneously warns against leaving their financial security entirely to chance. His central recommendation is clear: married women should purchase properties and assets in their own names.
Giwa's reasoning stems from the harsh realities that can unfold in a marriage. He directly addresses the potential for divorce or polygyny, stating that these are real possibilities that every woman should consider. "The marriage you have today may not always remain the same," he wrote, urging wives to prepare for all eventualities.
Why Contributing to Joint Property Isn't Enough
The therapist tackled a common belief head-on. He explained that a woman's financial contribution to a joint marital project, like building a family home, does not guarantee the marriage's longevity or her husband's fidelity. "That you contributed to building a house with a man is not going to stop him getting another wife, cheating or even divorce if the marriage gets bad," Giwa stated.
He described such a property as not being "a glue that binds marriage." Therefore, while supporting a spouse is a noble act, he advises women to do it for personal or spiritual reasons, not as an investment in marital permanence.
A Note on Husbands and Growth
Interestingly, Giwa noted that this advice does not symmetrically apply to husbands. He mentioned that if a man decides to add his wife's name to a property deed, it remains his personal choice. His focus is squarely on empowering women to take independent action for their own security.
His final thoughts combine compassion with pragmatism. "Love is beautiful but please apply sense," he advised. He framed asset ownership not as a competition with one's spouse, but as a fundamental right. "Helping the marriage grow is amazing but it should not stop you growing too," Giwa concluded, encouraging women to pursue personal growth alongside their marital commitments.
