OUR LOVE STORY

MEET THE BRIDE

It all began on January 5th, 2022, my birthday, when Segun sent me a message on Facebook.

I was busy with my cousin’s wedding and didn’t reply until January 16th, 2022. When I finally responded with a simple ‘Hello’ he asked how I was doing. I told him I was good, and he introduced himself as a friend who wanted to get to know me better. Initially cautious, I asked what he wanted to know about me. He surprised me by asking if I was single, and wanted to get married that year! I told him marriage wasn’t on my mind, I am just focus on making money. To my surprise, he said he was serious about getting to know me. I shared that I was a single mother of two, thinking it may scare him off, but he reassured me it didn’t matter. We started chatting as friends, and our conversations grew more frequent.

One Sunday, we had a chance to talk, and he asked me to give him a chance, not to judge him based on assumptions. I questioned Segun’s intentions, but he assured me he was genuine. He said he’d asked around and found out I was related to his best friend. I verified this with my cousin, who confirmed he was kind and genuine. The biggest surprised came when I asked my mom about him and she revealed that she knows him and his entire family very well, she told me that Segun’s mum is like a sister to her! In fact when she gave birth to me, on my naming ceremony day his mum’s sister gave her five hundred naira cuz I bear same name with her (ALICE). This unexpected family connection reassured me, and I felt more comfortable continuing our friendship. When Segun brought up marriage again, I told him I wasn’t ready, not for at least five years. His response surprised me “He was willing to wait” His willingness to wait caught me off guard, but we shifted gears. He asked of my name, and I shared it with him, including my tribal name, ODUNAYO. He reciprocated, sharing his own tribal name; Segun began calling me AYOMI, a nickname I grew fond of.

At first, I saw him as just a casual friend, but as time went by, my feelings for him started to blossom. I found myself anticipating his responses, eagerly waiting for his calls, I’d call him, and he’d briefly hang up, only to call back immediately. Our late-night conversations become routine, often lasting till 12-1am, after his work hours. I’d stay up, excited to share my daily experiences. Segun and I nurture our long-distance friendship, growing closer despite the distance. He showed interest in my education and I shared my plans as a graduate awaiting service. Even after receiving my posting to Zamfara with the camping site in Kano, our commitment to each other remained strong. But fate had other plans. Tragedy struck when Segun’s best friend, Caleb, lost his father. May his soul rest in peace. Segun shared that he‘d be travelling to Ogbomosho, Oyo state for the burial. He mentioned that some people from Mubi would also attend. Curious, I asked if I might know any of them. 

Segun’s next question left me stunned. ‘Do you know someone named Obey, also known as Ebenezer Enoch?’ he asked. I was shocked to discover that obey was not only someone I knew but also Segun’s close friend, who would be attending the burial.  I revealed to Segun that I knew Obey, but we’d never spoken. To verify Segun’s authenticity, I asked him to give Obey something to deliver to me. Segun handed Obey an earpiece to bring to me. After camping, I came back home to Mubi and I met obey (Mr. Ebenezer Enoch), aka BODA ANGO, for the first time. He handed me the earpiece and introduced me to (Mr. Caleb Simon) aka Uncle Caleb. Meeting people close to Segun confirmed his authenticity, and I was thrilled. I used the earpiece from March 2022 to February 2023, until it eventually broke.  

We began making plans to meet, initially aiming for August 2022. However, when his friend Obey wedding details emerged, we rescheduled for December 2022. Despite our plans, I still harbored doubts about Segun actually showing up. During my service year in 2022 Segun’s unwavering support was a lifeline. My monthly allowance of 33k would have been barely sufficient to survive in Taraba state (Jalingo), but Segun’s help ensured I didn’t have to struggle. Whenever we spoke and he sensed something was amiss, he’d ask if I wanted to go home. If I said yes, he’d promptly send me transportation money. He’d even provide me with upkeep funds before my allowance arrived. Segun’s care was all-encompassing, from recharging my phone to sending me data. When I had a mishap with a skin cream that badly bleached my skin, he noticed it during a video call and offered to send me money to buy a new one -Nivea, his preferred brand. He even video-called me while I was at the market to ensure I purchased the right product. Once I showed him the cream, he sent me the money to buy it, along with some other essentials. As time passed, I grew increasingly comfortable with Segun. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, like those between best friends. We’d discuss my problems, and he’d offer thoughtful solutions. I cherished our talks and felt grateful for his presence in my life. 

We finally met December 14th, 2022. I traveled from Jalingo to Yola, and thanks to Mr. Caleb, our paths crossed. I was overwhelmed with emotions shy, happy, and tearful all at once. Segun’s warm response put me at ease; he hugged me tightly and reassured me, ‘It’s fine, I’m here now.’ He even lightened the mood up with a joke about my height, teasing me that I’m actually not taller than him as his friends said. Our connection was instant, and we began discussing taking our relationship to the next level. I suggested we get our genotypes checked for compatibility, and the test revealed we both have the AA genotype, marking the beginning of our journey together.

December 18th, 2022, a day after his friend’s wedding Segun visited my family’s home to greet my parents, especially my dad, who was recovering from surgery. During his visit, he surprised me with a promise ring. Overwhelming me with emotions, I asked him what the ring meant, and he explained it symbolized his commitment to me a promise to wait, be faithful and build a future together. July 2023, Segun returned to check on me, December 2023 I decided it was my turn to visit him in Lagos. I asked my parent for permission, explaining I wanted to see where he lived, meet his family and friends, and learn about his daily life. My parent, trusting Segun and his family, agreed to let me visit. I spent Christmas in Lagos with Segun, and it was an incredible experience. He introduced me to his family members, and we explored the city together. Segun made my visit truly unforgettable.

As I look back on our journey, I’m filled with gratitude for the unexpected twists and turns that brought us together. You’ve shown me that true love is possible, and I’m humbled to have you by my side. Segun from the moment you sent me that message on Facebook, I had no idea that our lives would become so intricately woven together. You’ve been my rock, my confidant and my soul mate. Your love has changed me in ways I never thought possible. As we begin this new chapter, I pray that our love continue to grow stronger with each passing day. I pray we navigate life’s challenges together, hand in hand, and that our bond remains unbreakable. Lord, I ask that you bless our union, that you grant us wisdom, patience, and understanding as we navigate the ups and downs of life together. May our love be a beacon of hope to those around us, and may we always find joy in each other’s presence.

I love you, Ademi, with all my heart and I promise to stand by your side through thick and thin. Let’s build a life together, filled with love, laughter, and adventure. Forever and always, my love.   

MEET THE GROOM

I once engaged a lady, and we were planning our introduction ceremony. However, things didn't work out between us, and we parted ways. I was heartbroken. Despite my pain, I still decided to try out another relationship. I met a new lady, we started chatting as friends, as we talked, i asked if she was in any relationship, she shared that yes she was in a relationship but it’s complicated. I confessed my feelings to her, but she said she needed time to think. I waited for her response for weeks, but eventually, she told me that she had reconciled with her partner and couldn't be with me. I was still hurting from past heartbreak, then this happen. But I focus on healing and trust that God will bring the right person into my life when the time is right.

On January 5th, 2022, I scrolled through a friend's status on WhatsApp and I saw a picture. I was immediately drawn to it. I stopped, zoomed in and out, and couldn't look away. In that moment, I felt an intense connection. I didn't know if the person on that picture existed or not, but I knew I had to find her. The caption on the picture stated "Happy Birthday my baby," but all I could think was "She's the one." I felt a deep sense of certainty that she was meant to be mine. I don’t know if she's married, single or in any serious relationship all i knew in my heart was that I've finally found my dream girl. I wanted to reach out to the person who posted the picture, but I hesitated. I saved the picture and keep staring at it. Later that day I log into Facebook and lucky me i saw that a Friend i knew so well had posted the same picture on Facebook as well, tagging the owner of the picture to the post. I was like God you did this one for me. I quickly clicked on the name tagged to the picture and it took me to her profile. I was thrilled to see her pictures. Without wasting any time, I sent her a friend request and a direct message.

I eagerly awaited her response, but it didn't come immediately. I waited from January 5th to 16th for a response, but before that, I asked my friends if they knew her sharing the picture to them. Luckily my friend Ebenezer Enoch (Obey) told me that he knew her but he won’t want me to talk to her because the lady had a sharp mouth and was territorial. He told me that if I approached her and she didn’t like me, I wouldn't like her response. I ignored his warning, saying that I'd handle it if she have a sharp mouth, mine is a Razor. My friend's words made me wonder if I should pursue her, but I was already invested in getting to know her better. I waited for her response, and eventually, she replied with a simple "Hello" On the 16th of January 2022 at 5:45pm. I was surprised by her response, and we started chatting. I asked her how she was doing, and she said she was fine.

As we continued talking, I realized that she was different from what my friend had described. She was actually very mean, and I knew I'd have to deal with her strong personality because at the First day we start chatting just a small typing error i made in Spelling, she asked me to correct myself and learn how to write before chatting people up. From here i know i have to deal with a whole lot of drama. I asked her if she knew me, and she said no. I told her that I was interested in getting to know her, and she asked why? I told her i wanted to know more about her because am in love with her and i want to marry her.

She made fun of me. She revealed that she was a single mom of two, raising her kids on her own. And that she's not ready for any unserious relationship at that moment. She shared that she was focused on making money and taking care of her two kids. I told her that I didn't mind her being a single mom of two. I said I loved her and wanted her to be my girlfriend. We started chatting although it wasn't smooth sailing. We had our disagreements, and she would often ask me what was my problem or what did i wanted from her. Despite the challenges, I didn't give up. With God's help, we started developing feelings for each other. We began talking as friends, and I was determined to get to know her better.

She asked me how she could trust me and know if I was genuine. I understood her concerns, I told her to ask my friend Blessing Amos who happened to be her cousin about me, because my friend Obey actually Explain to me that they are cousins. She agreed, and we continued chatting daily. I asked her if she's in anyway ready for marriage, I was surprised when she said she wasn't ready to get married – not that year, not in five years to come. I was taken aback, but I couldn't deny my feelings for her. I decided to wait for her, hoping that she'd be available for me in the future.

Our conversations became more frequent. So one day i visited my pastor and while talking i shared my story with him. I explained how I met ALICE ODUNAYO AMOKE and how our friendship developed. My pastor listened attentively and then asked me to write her name on a piece of paper. He prayed over the paper with her name and gave me a message that she was the one for me, my future wife. He encouraged me to wait and endure any challenges that came my way.I was overjoyed by my pastor's words. To learn more about her, I reached out to Blessing Amos my childhood friend, who happens to be her Cousin. I told Blessing about my intention to visit Alice in Mubi. Blessing revealed that Alice was her favorite cousin sister and warned me that she wouldn't want anything to hurt her. I assured Blessing that my intentions were pure, and I wanted to get to know Alice better.

I continued talking to Alice, asking about her educational background. She shared that she had graduated and was waiting to start Serving (NYSC). We introduced ourselves as friends, and as we chatted, we developed a strong bond. My mom came to Lagos for a visit. And as Alice was Blessing's cousin sister, my mom surprisingly knew Blessing's family very well including Alice's Dad and Mum. My Mum explained the family member to me up to Alice's Grandparents. I was convinced that Alice was the one for me, and I was willing to wait for her. One day, I called her, and my mom was there. I asked her to greet my mom, but she was shy and hesitant, saying she didn't want to get my hopes high or talk to my mom until she was ready for a serious relationship. I told her my hopes won’t be high. So finally i got Alice to talk to my mom, and they exchanged greetings. My mom asked her questions about her family, and Alice shared details about them.  We started making plans to meet.

I came down to Yola from Lagos and we met. We finally met, but she was still very shy, often closing her face. However, her sharp mouth was evident, just as my friend had warned. Despite this, we became best friends, discussing various topics and developing feelings for each other. She suggested we check our genotypes, and I agreed, eager to do anything for her. We were escorted by my friend Akintola Caleb to the hospital, and luckily, we both had AA genotypes. I realized she was in love with me but too shy to express it. But I was determined to make our relationship work. As we spent more time together, I asked her if she loved me or was still doubting me. She finally opened up, agreeing to be in a relationship with me. We decided to move forward, and I'm grateful for how things turned out. We met on Facebook, chatted, fought, made up, and eventually became best friends. As our feelings grew, we started making plans for our future. Alice told me she'd marry me, but only after five years. I agreed to wait, as long as she's with me. When Alice accepted my proposal, she had one condition: no sex until our wedding night. I agreed. This commitment made me realize how much she meant to me, and I was willing to wait for her. Alice told me she wanted to come over to Lagos to see how am living, we made plans and she came. We met up, and thankfully, everything went smoothly. As a man, I felt proud of myself for controlling my desires and honoring my promise to her.

Today, I'm getting married to the love of my life, my fine, tall, lovely wife. I'm excited to start this new chapter with her, and I'm grateful for the journey we've taken to get here. As I stand here today, ready to marry the love of my life, ALICE ODUNAYO AMOKE, I'm overwhelmed with emotion. I'm grateful for the journey that brought us together, from that first picture on WhatsApp to this moment. You've been my safe haven. Your strong personality, confidence, and self-respect are qualities that I admire and appreciate. I'm humbled by your commitment to our relationship and your values. Dear Lord, I ask that you bless our union, that you grant us wisdom, patience, and understanding as we endure life's challenges together. 

Ayomi, I love you more than words can express. You're my everything , my reason for living. I'm honored to spend the rest of my life with you. I'm excited to build a future with you, to grow old together, and to create a family filled with love and joy. I look forward to holding your hand as we welcome our little ones into this world, to watch them grow and thrive, and to be the best parents we can be. May God bless our marriage, our future, and our family Amen”.