Nigeria: “I only get approached by younger men” — Venita Akpofure

By Zuleihat Owuiye, Nigeria

Nollywood actress and reality TV star Venita Akpofure says most of the romantic attention she gets comes from men who are younger than her.

In a recent interview shared on August 23, 2026, the _Big Brother Naija_ alum spoke candidly about her dating life, the kind of men who approach her, and how she navigates attention in the public eye.

I only get approached by younger men,” she said. “It’s mostly younger guys who come forward. The older ones… I don’t know, maybe they’re shy or they think I’m not interested.”

The actress, known for her role in _Battleground_ and her stint on _BBNaija_ Season 4, didn’t name anyone specifically. But she explained that age hasn’t been a barrier for the people who admire her.

According to Venita, social media plays a big part. With millions of followers on Instagram and TikTok, she gets DMs daily. And a large number of them, she says, are from men in their 20s and early 30s.

Venita first rose to wider fame on _Big Brother Naija: Pepper Dem_ in 2019. Since then, she’s built a career in Nollywood with roles in series and films, while also working as a presenter and influencer.

She’s been open in the past about relationships and heartbreak. In 2022, she spoke about going through a divorce and raising her daughter as a single mom. Since then, she’s kept much of her dating life private.

This new comment is one of the few times she’s addressed what dating looks like for her now.

“I’m in a place where I’m just focused on my work, my daughter, and my peace,” she said. “If someone comes along and it makes sense, fine. But I’m not chasing anything.

Age-gap relationships are a frequent topic of discussion in Nigerian entertainment. From musicians to actors, several celebrities have dated partners significantly younger or older, and it often sparks debate online.

Venita didn’t say whether she would date a younger man herself. She was simply noting the trend of who approaches her.

“I think people see me and assume I’m very approachable,” she said. “And younger guys are bolder. They’ll just DM you. Older men overthink it.”

She also addressed the pressure that comes with being a public figure and a single mother.

“People think because you’re on TV, your life is an open book,” she said. “But there’s a lot you don’t see. I’m just trying to live normally.

This year, Venita has been working on several Nollywood projects and brand partnerships. She’s also been more active on YouTube and podcast circuits, where she discusses lifestyle, motherhood, and the entertainment industry.

Fans have praised her for being honest and grounded. On social media, reactions to her latest comments were mixed — some applauded her confidence, others joked about “younger men” lining up in her DMs.

“I’ve learned not to take everything seriously,” she said. “I post what I want, I live how I want. If people have opinions, that’s their business.”

A big part of Venita’s life remains her daughter. She often shares glimpses of their time together, from school runs to vacations.

She’s previously said that becoming a mom changed how she views relationships.

“When you have a child, your priorities shift,” she said in a 2023 interview. “You don’t have time for games. You want peace, respect, and someone who understands your life.”

Venita’s comments highlight something many female celebrities talk about: dating while famous isn’t easy. The attention can be overwhelming, and the wrong kind of attention can be exhausting.

For Venita, the solution has been boundaries. She engages with fans, but keeps her personal life mostly offline.

“I’m grateful for the love,” she said. “But I also protect my space. Not everything needs to be on the internet.”

The actress has hinted at new film projects coming later this year. She’s also been traveling for brand events across Africa.

“If it happens, it happens,” she said. “Whether he’s younger, older, or my age — as long as he’s kind and real, that’s what matters.

For now, Venita says she’s enjoying this chapter: working, raising her daughter, and not stressing about who’s in her DMs.