Summary: *Nigerian businesswoman Ijeoma Chinonyerem has taken to social media to call out men who step out in singlets and other inappropriate outfits in public spaces — and Nigerians are talking about it.*
It is not every day that the conversation around indecent dressing gets flipped on its head, but one bold Nigerian businesswoman has decided that enough is enough — and this time, the men are in the hot seat.
Ijeoma Chinonyerem recently sparked a heated conversation online after she publicly called out Nigerian men over what she described as the “increasing rate of indecent dressing and public exposure amongst men.”
Yes, you read that correctly. The tables have turned.
—
Singlet Is Not an Outfit, Gentlemen
Ijeoma’s frustration was directed specifically at men who step out of their homes wearing singlets — those sleeveless inner vests that your mama bought you to wear under your shirt, not instead of it — as though they are fully dressed for public consumption.
We have all seen it. The man at the market haggling over tomatoes in a torn singlet. The fellow boarding a danfo like he just rolled out of bed. The neighbour waving at everyone on the street as if his white cotton vest is a designer outfit.
Ijeoma is saying: Oga, it is not giving.
—
Why This Conversation Matters
For far too long, the discourse around dressing modestly in Nigeria has been aimed almost exclusively at women. Women are told to cover up, dress respectfully, and not “invite trouble” with their clothing choices. Meanwhile, men have largely escaped public scrutiny — even when their dressing choices are just as, if not more, questionable.
Ijeoma’s callout is a reminder that dressing decently in public is not a gendered responsibility — it is a social one. How we present ourselves in shared public spaces reflects not just on us as individuals, but on our communities and our culture.
—
The Reactions, As Expected, Are Mixed
As with anything on Nigerian social media, the reactions have been anything but quiet. Some people are fully in support of Ijeoma’s stance, arguing that it is long overdue. Others, however, feel she is overreaching — insisting that a man should be free to wear whatever he likes without being policed.
But perhaps the most important question being raised is this: Why are we so quick to critique women’s clothing but so defensive when men face the same standard?
—
The Bottom Line
Whether you agree with Ijeoma or not, she has successfully started a conversation that many Nigerians needed to have. Decency and self-presentation in public spaces should apply to everyone — regardless of gender.
So, to the men reading this: the singlet stays home. Put on a proper shirt before you leave the house. Your community will thank you.
What do you think? Is Ijeoma right to call out men over their dressing, or is she going too far? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!
For more information, check buzzUp9ja
Be the first to comment