Abstract

Body enhancement has been a trending issue in the global and Nigerian social scene. Cosmetic surgery was part of western society for decades but became a trend in Nigeria in 2000. In the past, Nigerian women were comfortable with their body’s image and also appreciated their natural beauty. Over time, female celebrities began to embrace cosmetic surgical procedures amidst their adverse effects. But due to new technology and societal pressure, women’s mind set changed to foreign taste leading them to embrace the arts of body enhancement. Despite many forms of education in the country, none seems to addressed the issue of societal demands and pressure driving female celebrities to embrace body enhancement. Therefore, the study aimed at advocating for liberating education in educating Nigerian female celebrities on the importance of embracing natural beauty. And to conscientize Nigerian female celebrities against bowing down to societal pressure of body enhancement. Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) was adopted. Methodology was purely qualitative. Advocacy strategy was adopted. The study concludes that cosmetic surgery is a serious cultural shift and may redefine the perfect body type. Relevance of the study is promoting patriotism and positive body image.

Key Words: Female Celebrities, Body Enhancement, Natural Beauty, Liberating Education. Cultural values.

About the Author

*Maria-Mandu David Ekpenyong, Ph.D., is a Senior Research Fellow of Cultural and Media Studies/Transformation Studies at the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria. Her research focuses on African cultural and Media Studies, Development Communication, Transformational Studies in Africa and Indigenous knowledge systems.  

^JCMR Journal of Communication and Media Research, Vol. 18, No. 1, April 2026, pp. 209-215.

© Association of Media and Communication Researchers of Nigeria (AMCRON).

Article Citation

Ekpenyong, M. D. (2026). Conscientizing Nigerian female celebrities against body enhancement: Advocacy for natural beauty through liberating education. Journal of Communication and Media Research, 18 (1): 209-215.

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