A fierce online debate has gripped Nigerian social media, ignited by a controversial statement that daughters do not qualify as "real children." The firestorm began on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, after a woman responded to a post advising men to have at least one daughter for support in old age.
The Spark That Lit the Fire
The original advisory suggested that sons might abandon their fathers in times of need, perhaps to help friends in less critical situations. However, the respondent took the argument to a shocking extreme. She sarcastically advised men to marry multiple wives if their first wife gave birth to six girls. Her reasoning, which she presented as a serious viewpoint, was that "daughters are not real children, real men birth sons." This statement, posted around 12:35 PM, served as the catalyst for an instant and widespread backlash.
Backlash and Biological Facts
The backlash was swift and educational. One woman quickly stepped in to correct a fundamental scientific error often repeated in such debates. She pointed out that it is the man's chromosome that determines the sex of a baby, not the woman's. She further argued that the gender of a child has absolutely no bearing on the amount of love or care they might provide to their parents later in life.
Other users joined the fray with mixed reactions. One commenter suggested that Nigerians "are not ready for this discussion," hinting at the deep-rooted cultural and patriarchal norms the topic touches upon. Meanwhile, some observers simply found the entire exchange laughable, choosing to view it as an absurd spectacle rather than a serious discourse.
A Debate That Reflects Deeper Issues
As the debate continues to rage, it has moved beyond the initial provocative comment. It now touches on several critical issues in Nigerian society:
- Gender Preference and Bias: The persistent cultural and sometimes economic preference for male children.
- Scientific Literacy: The need for widespread understanding of basic biology to dispel harmful myths that blame women for a child's sex.
- Elderly Care: The real-world concerns about who provides reliable care for aging parents, challenging stereotypes about filial responsibility.
The conversation, first highlighted by blogger Linda Ikeji, shows no signs of slowing down. It has become a microcosm of the ongoing struggle between traditional beliefs and modern, fact-based perspectives in Nigeria. While the initial claim was intended to be provocative, the serious and corrective responses it generated highlight a growing willingness to challenge outdated and sexist notions about family, gender, and value.
