My marriage… With Ibironke Ajide

Ibironke Ajide met her husband in a church drama department, where he directed the group. He began sending her messages, but she did not immediately accept his advances. Nearly a year passed before he approached her directly, and she later agreed to the relationship after taking more time to think.

She says his neat appearance first caught her attention. She also admired his eloquence, calmness, patience and willingness to listen. After she moved to Lagos, he proposed several years into their relationship. He did not use a ring, instead asking whether they should take the relationship to another level. Their marriage will reach 14 years on September 22.

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I just saw the potential, and I loved him and still do.

Ajide says finances did not determine her decision. When they met, her future husband had completed his programme at the University of Ilorin and was awaiting national service. She says she saw his potential and loved him, rather than treating money as her main consideration.

She remembers being surprised by the number of guests who travelled to their wedding in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, including friends from Imo and Osun states. Now, she balances marriage, motherhood and work, commuting between Ilorin and Ogbomoso. Her advice to young people is to give relationships time, understand the person involved and build personal stability before marriage.

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You have to look out for potential.