Cultural Decline or Expression? Nigerian Father Questions Girls’ Outfits at Children’s Day Event [VIDEO]

 

A Nigerian man, Kaeren SimonOyantar Aver, has stirred public debate after he expressed strong concerns over what he described as a growing trend of indecent dressing among young girls. His remarks followed his experience at a Children’s Day celebration in Benue State, where he claimed several children appeared in outfits he considered inappropriate for their age.

While the event was intended to commemorate and celebrate Nigerian children — a day filled with cultural displays, music, and youthful exuberance — Aver's attention was diverted by the appearance of some female participants. He was alarmed by what he perceived as overly revealing attire worn by several young girls, a development he found deeply troubling, especially within a setting meant to promote the well-being and dignity of children.

He took to social media to voice his concern, delivering a stinging critique not just of the children, but more directly of their parents. "The Children's Day was going on well before this J-Z stole the show," he wrote, referring to a particular young girl whose outfit, in his opinion, crossed moral and cultural boundaries. His post did not clarify who 'J-Z' is — possibly a nickname or a pseudonym — but the message was clear: her attire disrupted what was otherwise a wholesome event.

Aver did not stop at a single example. He continued his commentary by pointing out that she was just "one among many" who showed up in "half-naked" clothing. “As parents, how do your children dress like this and come out comfortable without being questioned?” he asked rhetorically. The tone of his questions revealed a broader concern with societal values and a perceived erosion of traditional norms.

His post has since sparked mixed reactions online. Some agreed with him, arguing that modesty and cultural respect should be reinforced, especially among children. They echoed his sentiment that parents must be more mindful of the way their children are dressed in public. Others, however, saw his remarks as harsh and outdated, insisting that clothing should not be used as a metric for morality or future worth.

The most emotionally charged part of Aver’s post was his anxious contemplation of the future: “Which kind of a wife would my children get married to in the nearest future?” The statement struck a chord with many readers — some supporting his traditionalist views, while others criticized the notion that a child’s future marital value should be tied to what they wear at a public celebration.

Cultural observers argue that such debates are not new. Across Nigeria and many parts of Africa, the tension between evolving global fashion trends and indigenous cultural expectations continues to stir controversy. As access to Western media expands, so too do expressions of individual style among the youth — a shift that frequently clashes with conservative norms upheld by many elders and community leaders.

Aver’s comments serve as yet another reminder of the generational and cultural gaps that define much of the conversation about youth behavior, parenting, and public morality in Nigeria today. While some see events like Children’s Day as a platform for joyful expression and diversity, others view them as an opportunity to reinforce traditional values and protect the innocence of youth.

Whether Aver’s concerns will translate into action — perhaps through schools or community organizations addressing dress codes — remains to be seen. For now, his impassioned appeal has succeeded in sparking a necessary conversation, one that delves deep into questions of identity, upbringing, and the responsibilities of parents in a rapidly changing society.