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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Culture & Society

My marriage… With Olasunkanmi Cicero

From The Punch · (5m ago) English Positive tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Olasunkanmi Cicero met his wife, Bunmi, during his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) days in Kwali town, Abuja, initially through her mother's kindness.
  • He was attracted to her sense of responsibility, particularly when she baked him a cake and bought him a recharge card for his birthday.
  • Cicero advised youths planning to marry to gain a proper understanding of marriage, emphasizing that it involves more than just love, but also understanding and managing challenges.

The article 'My marriage… With Olasunkanmi Cicero' offers a heartwarming glimpse into a Nigerian union, shared through the lens of The Punch. It highlights the journey of a couple, from their initial meeting during the mandatory NYSC year to building a life together, emphasizing values that resonate deeply within Nigerian culture.

Her mum had been very benevolent to me, and since we had a corps members’ lodge, she would always ask one of her daughters to bring food for me.

— Olasunkanmi CiceroDescribing the initial circumstances of meeting his wife's family.

Cicero's narrative of meeting his wife, Bunmi, is a testament to how relationships can blossom from simple acts of kindness and shared experiences. The detail of her mother sending her to bring him food, and his subsequent attraction to Bunmi's sense of responsibility—demonstrated by her thoughtful birthday gesture—speaks to the importance placed on character and attentiveness in forming partnerships.

I gave her my number, but she refused to call me. I then urged Bunmi’s younger sister to bring her to the lodge whenever she was around. So, on May 14, which was my birthday, Bunmi brought a cake she had baked herself and a N750 recharge card to the lodge. She happened to be the first lady to celebrate me on my birthday. That sense of responsibility was a big attraction for me.

— Olasunkanmi CiceroRecounting the early stages of their courtship and what attracted him to his wife.

His reflection on marriage, emphasizing calmness, listening, and advanced forgiveness, provides practical wisdom. These are not just abstract ideals but essential tools for navigating the complexities of married life, particularly within a societal context where family and community ties are strong. The advice that marriage is 'part of life’s programme' and requires understanding beyond just love is a mature perspective that many young Nigerians preparing for marriage would find valuable.

It was the joy of seeing people I cherished from childhood, who all came out to celebrate with me. NYSC Kwali also sent corps members in their full khaki to honour the occasion. It was very memorable for me.

— Olasunkanmi CiceroRecalling his most memorable moment during his wedding.

The personal touch of him handling his wife's clothing needs and taking his family out on special weekends illustrates a commitment to nurturing the marital bond and family unit. This story, shared through a Nigerian publication, celebrates enduring relationships and offers relatable insights into building a successful marriage, grounded in mutual respect and understanding.

It has taught me calmness, listening, and advanced forgiveness. Calmness helps us resolve recurring challenges. Listening gives you the full picture of issues to address, and advanced forgiveness helps you overcome errors, which in turn reduces conflict.

— Olasunkanmi CiceroSharing lessons learned from his marriage.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by The Punch. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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