Love, resilience, and lots of adventures define the incredible 40-year journey of Betty and Soni Irabor. The sweethearts met in 1982 at an album launch, and one year later they said their “I dos.” They’ve spent every passing day growing in love and building a legacy.
The power couple have been sharing their love story on the show, “The Irabors Forever After,” giving viewers an intimate look into their marriage, life, and relationship with friends and family.
Beyond the magical love they share, Betty and Soni, blessed with two beautiful children, are a dynamic force. Betty Irabor, known for her playful spirit, wears multiple hats as a keynote speaker, author, media personality, philanthropist, publisher, entrepreneur, and a fun-loving enthusiast of all things pink. On the other hand, Soni loves life and is a happy-go-lucky person who dabbles in various fields.
In this interview, Betty and Soni Irabor share their secrets to keeping romance alive, navigating challenges, and the wisdom they’ve gathered from their love journey. As they reflect on the past 40 years and envision the chapters yet to unfold, their story becomes a source of inspiration for anyone seeking the keys to a successful and lasting marriage.
Can you share a little about how you first met and what attracted you to each other?
Betty Irabor: Soni and I met in 1982 at an album launch where I was working as a Public Relations Officer in Surulere and got married a year later, on July 29, 1983, at the Ikoyi registry with a few of our friends as guests. The attraction was his kindness and charm.
Soni Irabor: I met her in 1982. She invited media practitioners to an album launch sponsored by the PR company where she worked, VOO Ltd. I was attracted to her beauty and dashing smile.
Over the past 40 years, what are some of the most memorable moments you’ve shared as a couple?
Betty Irabor: As you would imagine, there have been so many happy memories, like the first time I held my first child in my arms, followed by when my pregnancy test was positive after a long wait for my second child. Those are unforgettable memories most mothers can relate to. There have been other precious memories of parenthood, building dreams, and charting courses together.
Soni Irabor: Travelling together, socialising together, and those precious moments when the children were born.
Marriage comes with its share of challenges. How have you navigated through tough times, and what have you learned from those experiences?
Betty Irabor: Navigating life together is like navigating land mines; we try not to step on the explosives of unguarded emotions, especially in difficult times. “Be angry, but do not sin” is a Bible passage that comes to mind, especially in difficult times. Communication is a vital aspect of marriage, so we try to communicate and talk things through without resorting to any form of verbal violence. Over the years, we have upped our skills in conflict resolution, so we don’t have as many roforofo squabbles as we used to. Communication is a major key to a sane marriage. We also try to manage our expectations of each other. What I have learned is that when you put too much pressure on each other, resentment easily sets in. In tough times, we have found solace in each other.
Soni Irabor: Forgiveness, friendship, love, no malice, trust and understanding, compassion, and respect. We have never fought, I’m happy to reveal.
How do you keep the romance and connection alive after 40 years?
Betty Irabor: To be very honest, it’s very difficult to kindle and rekindle the romance in any marriage, especially going into decades like ours, but we keep doing those things that we love and enjoy.
Soni Irabor: Same answer as 3 above, coupled with the fact that no external influences (even though many have tried!) have been allowed to affect our relationship.
Can you share a little about how you first met and what attracted you to each other?
Betty Irabor: Soni and I met in 1982 at an album launch where I was working as a Public Relations Officer in Surulere and got married a year later, on July 29, 1983, at the Ikoyi registry with a few of our friends as guests. The attraction was his kindness and charm.
Soni Irabor: I met her in 1982. She invited media practitioners to an album launch sponsored by the PR company where she worked, VOO Ltd. I was attracted to her beauty and dashing smile.
Over the past 40 years, what are some of the most memorable moments you’ve shared as a couple?
Betty Irabor: As you would imagine, there have been so many happy memories, like the first time I held my first child in my arms, followed by when my pregnancy test was positive after a long wait for my second child. Those are unforgettable memories most mothers can relate to. There have been other precious memories of parenthood, building dreams, and charting courses together.
Soni Irabor: Travelling together, socialising together, and those precious moments when the children were born.
What inspired you to decide on a vow renewal for your 40th anniversary?
Betty Irabor: Looking back at all we have been through, we survived depression, a stroke, and other things we’d rather not talk about, so I thought, Hey, let’s do something fun like a vow renewal for our 40th anniversary! And Soni was game. Sometimes, men just go ahead with their wives’ plans to avoid trouble! But I think he enjoyed every moment of the celebration.
Soni Irabor: It was a refreshing and reassuring thought, and both agreed.
How did you feel about reaffirming your love and commitment in front of your friends and family?
Betty Irabor: It was beautiful. I loved the solemnity of it all. It was good to be reminded of those vows again.
Soni Irabor: It was a happy moment, especially seeing some of our old friends who were with us for the first time.
