Pastor Funmi Olubakin has encouraged women to intentionally build and nurture meaningful friendships with other women, describing such relationships as essential for emotional support, healthy living, and personal growth.
Speaking during a church service, Olubakin said women need trusted female friends with whom they can freely share their experiences, seek advice, and find encouragement, especially in marriage and family life.
According to her, while men often joke that women are “too emotional,” “too dramatic,” and have “too many problems,” such perceptions highlight the importance of women having supportive circles where they can express themselves without judgment.
Using a humorous illustration, she described how husbands sometimes respond when their wives are involved in disagreements with other women, saying they are more likely to privately text one another rather than get involved in the dispute.
“I don’t want to say men don’t take us seriously, but when you hear them talk, you’ll realize why every woman needs her own circle of female friends,” she said.
Olubakin shared that she still maintains a WhatsApp group with two of her closest friends from age 16, describing it as a safe space where they discuss life, marriage, and everyday challenges.
She noted that women need healthy outlets to vent their frustrations, adding that genuine friends can provide comfort, perspective, and practical support during difficult moments.
The pastor also advised women to establish healthy boundaries within their friendships while remaining intentional about maintaining strong relationships. She said such friendships become invaluable during emergencies, including when childcare or other forms of immediate assistance are needed.
“Build your social network. Nurture your female friendships. Friendship is the new romance, if you ask me. It makes your life fuller and more interesting,” she said.
Olubakin concluded by encouraging women to cultivate lasting friendships rooted in trust, mutual respect, and appropriate boundaries.
