My marriage… With Elder Ajibola Ajayi

Elder Ajibola Ajayi, a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and retired finance professional, reflects on his enduring 34-year marriage to Fatima Olabisi Ajayi. The couple, married on August 1, 1992, has navigated life's journey together, raising five sons and one daughter.

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The moment I set eyes on my wife that afternoon, on the eve of my friend’s graduation ceremony at the College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta, Ogun State, I was sincerely convinced that I had met my future wife.

Ajayi's recollection of their early days paints a picture of serendipitous connection. He first saw his future wife in 1989 at a friend's graduation party. Their relationship blossomed when she began her degree program at the University of Lagos later that year. He recalls a moment of profound conviction, sharing with a friend after their initial meeting that he had found his future wife.

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She requested that we continue the relationship first and see how things progressed.

He proposed in April 1991 at the University of Lagos, to which his wife suggested they continue dating to see how things progressed. Ajayi also shared his initial visit to his wife's family home, noting a degree of skepticism from her mother. However, over time, his in-laws became fully receptive. Looking back, Ajayi cherishes numerous joyful moments, including the birth of their children, the establishment of their school business, and their children's graduations and weddings, attributing their success to divine kindness.

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Although he was not present when I met her mother, she appeared somewhat sceptical of me that Saturday morning at their home in Satellite Town, Lagos. However, over time, my in-laws became very receptive to me.

When asked for advice for younger couples, Ajayi stressed the importance of determination and a commitment to making marriages work, acknowledging the inherent challenges. He emphasized the need for strong communication and mutual understanding to foster a lasting union.

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There have been so many joyful moments, including the birth of our first child, the birth of our twins, the establishment of our school business, our children’s graduation ceremonies, and their wedding ceremonies, among others. I must confess that God has been very kind to us.