Actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu Says Life Is Naturally Easier for Women Than Men

Veteran Nollywood actor Bob-Manuel Udokwu has stirred conversation after claiming that life is naturally easier for women than for men, arguing that society places different expectations on both genders.

Speaking during an interview on Udaka FM, Udokwu said age differences in relationships tend to favour men over women.

"A man of 40 will marry a girl of 25 or 21, and there is no issue. You can hardly reverse it, even though people are trying to do that now," he said.

"I can tell you, life is easier for women than for men. Naturally. A man and a woman are not the same," he added.

The actor also spoke about assumptions surrounding celebrities' earnings, reflecting on the late John Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, who many believed should have been financially comfortable during his illness.

Udokwu said such assumptions ignored the realities of personal responsibilities.

"It pained me with John Okafor, when he was sick and all the issues surrounding raising money," he said, adding that critics failed to realise that "the man has been running bills."

Udokwu further criticised what he called unnecessary intrusion into celebrities' private lives, saying he does not pry into the affairs of his colleagues.

"I don't need to. For me to now begin to go and probe, or try to find out everything about your life. No! That's gossip. Men don't engage in gossip," he said.

He explained that his attitude stemmed from his upbringing, saying, "I belong to that traditionally brought-up Igbo boys who believe that men don't engage in gossip."