How did you meet your wife?
We met in 1992 at Christ Life Church (the church arm of the Sword of the Spirit Ministries, Ibadan), established by Bishop Francis Wale Oke. The very first day I set my eyes on Morenike in church, I had the witness in my spirit that God has ordained us together as husband and wife. In 1993, I enrolled in the International Bible College of Ministries of the same church. She had enrolled earlier in the same bible college. This gave us more opportunities for interaction.
What attracted you to her?
As the lectures at IBCOM continued over the weeks, I was fascinated by her virtuous composure, brilliant contributions in class discussions and amiable relationship with other students. I proposed marriage to her while in IBCOM.
Was the love reciprocated at first or it took a while?
It took a while for her to reciprocate my love for her. After proposing marriage to her, she replied that she would take time to pray to get confirmation or otherwise from God. That took about a month, but I knew the waiting on my part was worth it, given the importance of getting right the choice of one’s marriage partner.
What convinced you that you would marry her?
I was convinced I would marry her, primarily by God, when I took more time to pray. Of course, I shared the same prayer point with my two prayer partners who had never seen her prior to that time. They also gave me positive feedback.
How long did you date?
We dated for about six months (July 1993 – January 1994).
What event on your wedding day was the most memorable for you?
Our parents were alive, but my mother-in-law is the last one standing now. They surrounded us and blessed us. That was the most memorable event during the wedding, which I relish to date. I am an ardent believer in parental blessings in marriage.
What lessons have you learnt from marriage so far?
I have learnt many lessons from our nearly 30-year-old marriage. First, the fact that you are ordained by God to marry someone does not automatically translate to a blissful marriage. God has done his part in connecting you, it is left for you to make the marriage work as you cooperate with Him. Secondly, it’s in seeking the good and welfare of your marriage partner that you will find fulfilment in your marriage. Finally, marriage is for God’s purpose which the couple must discern early in their relationship and throw themselves into, with reckless abandon.
How do you balance your work and family?
I have been a part-time Pastor at Christ Life Church since October, 1993 and currently I head our mother church in Nigeria. Yet, I hold a full-time appointment as a professor of Civil and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Ibadan. I was able to balance my work and family largely because I am blessed to have an understanding wife. It is also made easier by God as she is also a pastor and academic staff in the same University of Ibadan. I give kudos to her for sacrificing to stay at home when our children were in primary and secondary schools while I was engrossed with international trips.
What advice would you give young people planning to get married?
My advice to young people planning to get married has largely been given in the lessons I have learnt from marriage so far, which I just shared with you. The additional advice is the need for them to resolve in their hearts that their marriage must stand the test of time, as every home has its peculiar challenges. The rising number of divorces among young couples in Nigeria these days is worrisome. I advise them to build their homes on God’s foundation as He is the builder of all durable things. Looks, beauty, money and positions will pale to insignificance over time. Only what God builds lasts.
