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Tag: lovebirds

  • The last straw

    SWEET romance! That is what is uppermost in her heart at the moment. For hours, Maureen stayed glued to the screen watching her best movie with rapt attention. At the center of it all, was the story of two lovebirds, emotionally attached in spite of the pressures and family feuds around them.

    To be or not to be, was the big question but somehow, they never gave up, instead their love waxed stronger and the passion kept burning and it ended as they tied the knot and lived happily ever after. As she looked away from the screen, her mind wandered off back to reality zone.

    The story of the lovebirds compared to her personal love story and uppermost in her mind was the wish to capture this heart that seems so elusive in spite of all her emotional investments’. “I don’t think I can survive another disappointment. I just hope, this relationship would out because I am not sure I can start all over again”,

    Yes, she has really seen it all. It’s been tales of emotional frustrations and disappointment for our dear friend. Falling and stumbling in the emotional corridor and now she seems to be at a crossroad, looking for options and trying to make a choice.

    Take a deep look and you find that it actually isn’t really her fault. She has had to make the necessary sacrifice and played her role very well. The only snag is that she has been unlucky with her choices.

    The crux of the matter here is that sometimes, luck plays a big role in the final outcome of the love process. We all gamble making a choice, believing that the choices that we have made is going to match our expectations in the long run.

    Unfortunately, it does not work out this way for many.”My younger sister met this gentleman who appeared to be so unserious and she wasn’t looking forward to anything at all. To her utmost surprise, he turned her world around in a fabulous way and made her a great admiration to family and friends. They were married in less than a year and the relationship remain a great reference point to a lot of people till date”.

    Finding the heart for keeps can be complex indeed. What works for A may not necessarily work for B. It is actually a make or mar situation for our dear friend at the moment and she just cannot afford to make any mistake at this stage of her emotional life.

    She takes you down memory lane and confesses that its been a tale of emotional frustrations indeed. Falling and stumbling in the emotional corridor and now she seems to be at crossroads. This is the last card and it just must work, she prays.

    For a lot of people, love like life comes with a lot of challenges. It has the high and lows too and the best thing to do is to understand your emotional season and make a smart choice. If you fail to decode and move in the right direction, you may just discover that you have lost out  of the game .

    Emotional champions are not necessarily those who got the best opportunity in the field , instead they make the best of the opportunities available , play the right emotional cards , thus winning trophies (hearts ) that others ignored, abandoned or took for granted .

    Many, like a famous quote believe that being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” “There is always some madness in love. But there is also always some reason in madness.” “The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved; loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.”

    To win and be successful, you must keep your eyes on the prize.So, the secret to emotional successes like everything in life involves dedication, determination and perseverance.

    One other secret is to stop all the guesswork many stick to and start creating opportunities that will bring about the intense attraction that your partner needs to feel with you if your relationship is going to last and grow.

    Don’t let yourself get stuck in another relationship where you watch the affection and excitement of the man you love fade away.

    If you’ve ever struggled with how to keep that attraction and passion burning bright without having to try and worry if things are going to work out. It is also important to understand how to maintain a good relationship, prevent relationship crisis and continue to wax stronger in love forever.

    Interestingly one great way of showing trust is when lovebirds accept mutual respect, set boundaries and have a common emotional goal. This would help them to assess what they do, how to enhance their relationship and redefine their goals as they move alone in the different phases of life.

    However, permitting each other to have a private space and avoiding pushing the other person to do things they would prefer not to do helps a lot in creating sustaining happiness in relationships.

  • Lancelot Imasuen’s ‘Lovebirds’ wins Best Comedy at TAFF

    NOLLYWOOD producer Lancelot Imasuen’s movie, ‘Lovebirds’, has won ‘Best Comedy Film’ at the just concluded The African Film Festival (TAFF), held at Dallas, Texas.

    Sharing the good news on Instagram and showing off the plaque, Imasuen wrote, “I am proud to be bringing this prestigious award Trophy to Nigeria since we couldn’t bring the World Cup. I hope this suffice for now. Courtesy the movie Lovebirds, Best comedy film at The African Film Festival Dallas TX.”

    The movie which, according to the producer, is not just to entertain people, but also to draw the attention of the Nigerian society to the next generation, addresses the issue of culture conflict. Imasuen said the movie was occasioned by the fact that second generation in diaspora are becoming adults.

    Others, who won awards at the event, created to raise awareness and provides educative references to African culture through film included Frank Donga and IK Ogbonna while Nigerians spotted at the award included Emem Isong, Uche Jombo,  Chisom Oz-lee and Yollande K among others.

  • Lancelot Imasuen: Why I shot ‘Lovebirds’

    After what seems like a hiatus from the Nigerian movie industry, the duo of Jim Iyke and Stella Damasus have both starred alongside Joseph Benjamin in a new flick titled ‘Lovebirds’.

    A single location movie, producer of the flick, Lancelot Imasuen revealed that the title metamorphosed through the process of the production. Welcoming guests to the screening of the movie which took place at Filmhouse Cinema, Surulere last Wednesday, Imasuen said that his mission is not just to entertain people, but also to draw the attention of the Nigerian society to the next generation.

    “If we do not give them the due attention, things may go bad. We want to form a society that listens, that gives everybody a sense of belonging. We took our time in doing this. A lot of the first generation parents have not dropped their African mentality. And most of their kids are caught in the middle. They are neither here nor there,” he said.

    Addressing the issue of culture conflict which crops up in the movie, Imasuen said that it is occasioned by the fact that second generation Diasporans are becoming adults.

    “This is not a true life story, but it is based on the experiences I’ve gathered from my extensive travels abroad. Sooner than you can understand, the kids are becoming adults and they are and nobody cares about them. A greater part of their lives is still within the Nigerian community. When they go to school, that is the only time they mix up with the other communities,” he said.

    ‘Lovebirds’ follows the story of Nigerians living in the US. Their kids who are now grown up have fallen in love but the parents refuse to give the relationship their blessings because of close family ties which have caused them to see themselves as relatives.

    The single location movie was shot with just six characters and one voiceover and according to Imasuen will start tourng Nigerian cinemans from April 13.

    The movie also introduces two new acts; Felix Omozusi and SaRaii Captca.

  • Union of lovebirds

    Union of lovebirds

    The union of former Miss Omoyeni Ebunoluwa Oladiji, a Law graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University and member of the staff of Adekunle Omotola and Co, a real estate and property law firm on Victoria Island, Lagos and Mr Nathaniel Olawale Adewunmi, of Candel Limited, was held at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus Sanctuary in Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos. KEHINDE ONIFADE reports.

    Everyday  for former Miss Omoyeni Ebunoluwa Oladiji, has been memorable since she met Olawale Adewunmi. They have been communicating on daily basis since The 2014 Experience, which is an annual praise concert in Lagos, but they met for the first time later that month at the Christmas carol of Harvesters Christian Centre, Gbagada, Lagos.

    Their love story began in January 2015, and since then, life has not been the same for the lovebirds. They counted down every second when they will be together. In August last year, Olawale proposed to Ebunoluwa in his house for fear  of being  rejected  if he had done it  in public.

    Alas, another chapter of their story began when they walked down the aisle of  The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus Sanctuary in Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos to exchange marital vows.

    Pastor Remi Bankole officiated at the wedding and urged them to sustain their marriage by seeing their vow as a life time commitment. Pastor Seun Aderibigbe presented the marriage certificate.

    The Bellus Court Event Centre along Town Planning Way, Ilupeju, venue of the reception, was decorated in white and purple. Picture stands of the couple were placed at strategic spots of the hall.

    Mr Kayode Adebola chaired the event.

  • Union of lovebirds

    Union of lovebirds

    The Managing Director of Vision Link Communications, Chief Tunde Omikunle, has given out his daughter Oluwadamilare Adesola in marriage to Olukayode Olamide Ayo, son of the Managing Director of Goldlink Insurance, Pastor Olatunde Ayo at a colourful ceremony, reports NNEKA NWANERI

    Oluwadami and Olukayode’s relationship wasn’t all that rosy, but it stood the test of time, having survived the travails of four years courtship.

    Penultimate Saturday, while many were still basking in the euphoria of the yuletide festivities, the Ayos and the Omikunles were celebrating the union of their children.

    After years of courtship, their friendship climaxed into a lasting relationship as they were joined in a holy matrimony before many of their friends and family members at the Shepherdhill Baptist Church, Obanikoro, Lagos.

    The couple, before exchanging wedding bands, said their vows by heart to the admiration of their friends and well wishers who turned out in their numbers decked in pink and gold laces and headwears.

    Oluwadamilare, a Unilag graduate of Mass Communication, in a brief interview with The Nation,said  she met Olukayode,  an accountant with Barclay’s Bank, London, through a family friend, who had seen they had a lot in common and thought they both would make a perfect match.

    Not only is Olukayode’s father, Pastor Olatunde Ayo, the Managing Director of Goldlink Insurance, he also pastors for Deeperlife Christian Ministries.

    Bride’s father, Chief Omikunle, who also holds the Loogun Losaamu-Iloro of Igbajo (a warlord title), said he expects a lot from the couple, judging from their Christian backgrounds.

    The marital rites were finalised with a reception at Equilox Events Centre along Airport Road, Ikeja.

  • The Returnee (1)

    The Returnee (1)

    I read Laura’s story which was featured in this column last week and I could not help but sympathise with her. I understand what she is going through because I’ve experienced the same thing- ‘a rejected stone becoming the head of the corner’ kind of situation. The only difference is that mine has to do with a child: a baby I had for a man who said he loved me but left me in the lurch when I needed him most. Only for him to reappear years later to sing a different tune.

    My name is Erica and this is my story.

    ***
    It was one of those days when the traffic was so heavy in the city of Lagos, it was more of a ‘stand still’ than a ‘go slow’ as it’s popularly called. I glanced at my wristwatch, noticing how late it was getting. I had just thirty minutes to get to my daughter, Tessy’s summer school at Ikeja to pick her up. She hated me coming late for her like had happened the previous week when I had arrived nearly an hour late. Most of the other kids were gone and she had stood by the school gate, craning her neck and waiting anxiously for me.

    I had promised not to be late in picking her again but it seemed I would not be able to fulfil that promise going by the traffic situation that afternoon. I saw a little opening at the next lane and I quickly maneuvered there, ignoring the angry look of the driver on the line. Gradually, the traffic began to inch forward and I relaxed a little. Luckily, I was about twenty minutes late and my daughter was still inside the building when I arrived.  “Mummy, you are late again o!” were the first words she accosted me with as soon as she saw me. I hugged her and patting her on the head stated:

    “Sorry, sweetheart, I was caught up in traffic. You know how bad the traffic is by this time of the day. Where’s your bag. Let’s go!”

    On the way home, we stopped by an eatery as Tessy wanted some ice cream. I sat sipping a soft drink and watched as she stuffed the ice cream in her mouth, at the same time, talking excitedly about her day at the summer school. “My Aunty said that next year, the school will be organising a trip to Disneyland in the U.S. Mummy, I’ll like to go too. Can I?” she asked.

    “Of course dear. Don’t worry, Mummy will work out something,” I assured her, taking a napkin to wipe her lips covered with ice cream. Money was a bit tight at the moment, what with the sluggish economy and clients who were owing me for work done. Despite that, I vowed silently to raise the money so she could go for the trip when the time comes. I loved my daughter so much and I was ready to make any sacrifice to ensure she was happy and comfortable.

    Since I had Tessy eight years ago, I’ve practically raised her by myself as a single mother. The man I had her for, Kolly has never set eyes on my daughter. He has never shown interest in her wellbeing, whether she was doing well or sick was none of his business. That was however, until three months ago when he suddenly resurfaced in our lives…

    Camp meeting I first met Kolly at a church programme- an annual event that usually draw millions of the faithful to the church’s expansive camp on the outskirts of the city each year. That year, I planned attending with my good friend Grace. But at the last minute, something came up and she could not make it so I had to attend alone. One afternoon, two days after I arrived at the camp, I went to one of the numerous eateries there for lunch before preparing for the evening programme. I was eating when a man came over to my table.

    “Mind if I join you?” he asked before sitting down. As we ate, he made small talk, stating that it was his first time at the programme. “I never knew it was this huge- I’ve never seen so many people in my life,” he said. 

    It was my second year at the camp and I can still remember my shock at the number of people who had trooped into the camp for the annual event, drawn from all over the country and beyond.

    “You’ve not seen anything yet. More people are still coming. Wait till Friday when some will come for the weekend programme, then you will see real crowd,” I assured him. I remained at the camp for another three days, leaving on Saturday morning to attend a neighbour’s wedding. Kolly and I saw regularly for that period and before leaving, we exchanged contacts. He seemed a nice person so when he called about a week later and asked to meet up, I agreed. He shared an apartment with a friend of his named Sam. When I arrived at his place, his flatmate was out and he was alone in the house. Kolly could cook well and he had prepared a delicious meal of jollof rice and chicken for my visit. We were eating when his friend Sam arrived home and Kolly did the introductions.

    “Nice meeting you. He has been talking about you, saying you made his stay at the camp less stressful,” Sam stated as he shook my hand. I had a nice time at his place that day. We saw regularly after that initial visit. Kolly told me from the beginning that he did not have a girlfriend much less a fiancé. I believed he was speaking the truth as I had not seen any lady in the house since I started visiting. Soon, a relationship ensued and we became a couple. 
    Thinking I was dealing with a sincere person, I relaxed and threw myself into the love affair…

    Join us for the rest of Erica’s story next Saturday

    Names have been changed to protect Erica’s identity and other individuals in the story.

    For Archive, Visit Patience Saduwa

  • My Best Friend’s Husband (3)

    My Best Friend’s Husband (3)

    All the pent up feelings I had for Eric and which I had suppressed all this while resurfaced. I held him tight as if I did not want to let him go again. That night, Eric did not go home. He stayed at my place, leaving early the next morning.

     That was how my affair with Eric began. You might think I’m a scheming bitch who went after her friend’s husband. But it’s not true. I never planned it to happen. Granted I had always fancied Eric. I liked him from the first time I set my eyes on him. But I decided to let go when he started dating Patra.

     After what happened between Eric and I, I felt some guilt, that I was betraying my friend. I made up my mind that it was going to be a one night stand, that I would stay away from Eric for the sake of my friendship with Patra. But it was easier said than done. The moment I set eyes on him again, all my resolve melted and I was back in his arms. The feeling was mutual as Eric too, could not stay away from me.

     From weekend visits, he began to come over during the week. Though I enjoyed his company,  I could see the risk.

     “Don’t you think you are coming here too often? At this rate, it won’t be long before Patra finds out,” I stated one evening. I had returned from work to find him waiting for me by my gate. Upstairs in my apartment, I prepared a quick meal for him and while he was eating, I went to take a shower.

     “Mmm, you smell really good. I like your perfume,” he said, coming over to bury his face in my neck. I wriggled out of his embrace and stated:

     “You’ve not answered my question. Patra might see you here one of these days and what will you say then?”

     He shrugged before saying:

     “So what? I’m a grown man and I can go anywhere I please. And I like being with you,” he said, reaching for me again. I just could not get him to face the situation we were in squarely and I decided to simply go with the flow at least for a while.

     ***

     Things went on this way between us without Patra suspecting a thing. I was very careful and never gave a hint of what was going on- that I was dating her husband. On his part, Eric could not be bothered. It was like, he wanted her to know about us. There was a time he came over during the weekend and refused to return home on Sunday evening as we had agreed on. Worse, Patra had called me, complaining about his absence.

     “He said he was going for a business trip and would be back today. It’s already six p.m and I have not seen him. I can’t even reach him on his phone as it is switched off,” she said.

     I reassured her, telling her he would show up soon and not to worry.

     At that moment, Eric was snoring deeply in my bedroom. I went to wake him up, so he could get dressed and return home.

     “What’s the rush?” he grumbled, sitting up on the bed. “The day’s still young. Let me rest a little; and come and join me. I miss you,” he stated, stretching his arms for me but I evaded his embrace.

     “Eric! It’s nearly 7 o’ clock! You need to go home. Patra is worried about your whereabouts,” I told him.

     “That’s her problem. I have peace here. Why should I go home to face her nagging and bad attitude. When I’m ready, I’ll go. Besides, I thought you liked my being here. Or don’t you love me anymore?” he queried.

     “That’s not the issue now. Much as I love you and want to be with you, Patra is still my friend and I care about her. I don’t know how she will feel if she finds out about us,” I noted.

     “Well, forget about your friend for now. Focus on us. So, are you coming to bed or not?” he asked.

     It was obvious, Eric had become quite obsessed with me. He preferred being with me than his wife, stating I made him feel loved and appreciated. I could have taken him from my friend if I had wanted. But I just could not bring myself to do it. We were more than friends- she was like a sister to me so how could I take her husband from her? I knew a time would come when I would have to choose between my happiness, my love for Eric and my relationship with Patra which I cherished a lot.

     Believe me it was a hard choice. But in the end, I decided to choose friendship over love. So, about six months into the affair, I told Eric we had to end things between us. As I guessed, he did not take it well. He said I could not do that, that he could not live without me.

     “How could you do this to me, Una! I can’t do without you. I love you!” he said. He pleaded and begged and for a moment, I almost weakened. I loved Eric and it was killing me that I had to let him go. But it was something I had to do.

     “You can live without me. Afterall, you still have your wife. Go home and resolve things with her. It’s over,” I said firmly. And with that, I practically had to push him out of my house. He kept calling and sending text messages but I stood firm in my resolve to end things with him. It was hard for me as well as my heart still longed for him.

     I thought that was the end of the matter until some weeks later when I found out I was pregnant. I am carrying Eric’s baby! Something that is supposed to be a thing of joy under normal circumstances is giving me sleepless nights. On one hand, I want to keep the baby since its for the man I love. Then again, since Patra and I are so close, there’s no way I can hide the paternity of the baby from her; what will be her reaction when she finds out I’m pregnant for her husband?

     And what about Eric? What will he do when he learns about the baby which he will eventually do? Will he do something crazy like leaving Patra for me as he had threatened several times? I’m in a real dilemma!

     What should I do? Both about the baby and Eric who still keeps pestering me to come back to him? Should I take him back because of the baby? The mistake has already been made, getting involved and falling in love with my best friend’s husband. It was all due to my weakness for Eric. But right now, I need to resolve this issue. So, I’ll appreciate readers’ advice on the way forward for me. Thank you!

    The End!
    For Archive, Visit Patience Saduwa
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  • Union of lovebirds

    Union of lovebirds

    Miss Chinyere Omenka, who works with telecom firm Etisalat in Lagos, got married to Newton Ihoeghian, an engineer with Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) in Edo State, last Saturday at The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Testimony Area Head Quarters in Akute, Ogun State. OLATUNDE ODEBIYI reports.

    They strode hand in hand out of the church after being joined in holy matrimony. Newton Ihoeghian, an engineer, had just married his beau, Chinyere, at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Testimony Area Headquarters in Akute, Ogun State.

    Chinyere, who works with telecom firm Etisalat in Lagos was all smiles.

    She dazzled guests  in her white wedding gown and veil. She hugged and exchanged pleasantries with all who came around her. Newton was in black  suit, white shirt, pitch jacket and tie.

    Newton is the son of a retired accountant with the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN)  Mr Pedro Ihoeghian; his late mother was represented by Mrs Queen Ihoeghian. Chinyere’s brother Emeka represented their late father Mr Vincent Omenka. Her mother; Mrs Florence Omenka, a businesswoman was full of praises to God.

    The ceremony began with the traditional wedding at the nearby Raceeko Hall followed by the church solemnisation.

    Chinyere accompanied by her brother and the bride’s maids, walked to the altar while the choir sang the processional hymn: “In Christ Alone, my hope is found”. The bride’s maids wore blue dresses with pitch hats. The groom and his men were already in the hall. They wore similar suit.

    Deacon Abiodun Sholeye said the opening prayer. Pastor Goke Aniyele joined the couple together. The choir did a special ministration for the couple.

    Back at Raceeko Hall for the reception, guests were treated to a nice time. The bride’s parents arrived first, followed by the groom’s.

    Pastor Paul Oyeranmi, who chaired the occasion, urged the couple to live happily, praying that God would be with them and grant them success.

    The Master of Ceremony (MC),  Adewale Oni, led the couple to cut the four-step blue cake after the spelling of JESUS. The couple had their first assignment of feeding each other and sealed it with kisses.

    The bride danced with her mother. Her husband and other guests joined them on the dance floor.

    The groom said he felt great, elated and excited, adding that his wife is truthful, committed, dedicated and God-fearing.

    The Edo State born groom met his wife in 2007 but they started dating in 2010 when they were students at the University of Benin. The groom was then studying Chemical Engineering; the bride Microbiology.

    The bride said she is happy, describing her husband as a man filled with the words of God. “He is faithful and sincere,” she said.

    The bride’s mother said marriage is an institution of learning, urging the couple to be ready to learn. She advised them to be tolerant and friendly with members of their families.

    She prayed for the success of the marriage.

    The groom’s father told the couple to put God first in whatever they do. “They should not be selfish, they should respect and let love be their watch word,” he said.

  • Union of lovebirds

    Nigeria’s former Ambassador to Austria Balogun Biodun Owoseni has given his daughter Mojisola’s hand in marriage to Olawale Adesokan in Ijesa-Isu in Gbonyin Local Government Area of Ekiti State, writes SULAIMAN SALAWUDEEN

    The marriage of Mojisola, daughter of Nigeria’s former ambassador to Austria, Balogun Biodun Owoseni, and her spouse, Olawale Adesokan, in Ijesa-Isu in Gbonyin Local Government Area of Ekiti State, was a show of class.

    From the chaufeur-driven posh cars for the bride and her groom, to the couple’s attractive outfits, the reception and the vast choices of tasty dishes all affirmed the class of the couple’s families.

    From 8am, cars of various modes and moulds streamed into the town and, in a rather slow but steady motion, made straight for the Hossannah African Church Cathedral, venue of the marriage solemnisation.

    By 10am, rows upon rows of vehicles had formed on the main roads near the church, spreading into the adjoining streets and frontages of houses. This made vehicular movement a bit difficult for other commuters.

    From the glossy vehicles emerged, one after the othe,r well-dressed guests who, in groups of three, four or five, made for the church where a service in honour of the couple was slated.

    Friends, family members  and other well wishers, dressed in local and foreign attires, soon gathered in the church to take their seats. Thefront row was left for the bride, the groom and their parents.

    Mojisola and Olawale met at the University of Ibadan where their brilliance shone like a northern star. Although Mojisola, born in the United Kingdom, made a First Class, the brilliance of her spouse was irresistible. Fate caused their paths to cross and they had stayed glued to each other since. Aside academic brilliance, they are the last children of their families.

    They sat through the service occasionally waving in acknowledgements of the presence of guests.

    The parents of the couple   – Owoseni, his wife Mrs Idowu; groom’s father Chief A. Adesokan and mother, Alhaja Titilayo Adesokan – all  filed out in their attractive ofi attires (handwoven Yoruba outfit).

    The officiating minister, Bishop Samuel Ojumu, of the Bethel Cathedral Church worldwide, said in his sermon that marriage was pre-ordained, given what he described as the ingrained incompleteness in either sexes.

    Making copious references to the Bible and real life instances, Bishop Ojumu maintained that marriage in earlier times were mostly successful because the wife would always accept the husband as the crown on her head, which must not be taken for granted or toyed with; while the husband would regard the wife as that fragile egg which must not be tended carelessly, lest it would fall and break.

    He urged both to learn to accommodate each other’s shortcomings in words and indeed, adding that the facts of being born of different parents and at different times and being brought up in different places meant their thinking, beliefs and manners might be different.

    Ojumu encouraged them to learn to discuss issues and settle quarrels ‘in-house’ as a third-party option exposes their weaknesses and renders the home front susceptible to outside influences.

    Soon the church service ended and the photo session soon crept in leaving Mojisola and her spouse at the mercy of photographers and cameramen who plied their trade by giving orders.

    They soon came into the reception held at the Balogun Owoseni International School, Ijesa-Isu in Gbonyin Local Government Area of Ekiti State about 2pm, hand in hand, beaming smiles.

    They exchanged brief pleasantries with a few friends before making their way to their seats after which followed some introduction of guests.

    It was however not an easy task to get the bride dancing, but she soon succumbed to entreaties and the dance floor indeed knew a couple had visited.

    Who won what seemed a contest between the latest bride and her husband, no one could validly say but it was apparent the two had received some tutorials in the dance art.

    The clement weather lent desirable support for the reception which soon came reduced to a carnival-like atmosphere as both families alongside many other dignitaries joined the bride and her groom in the dance task, pelting them with wads of new notes.

    And in no time, slices of the cake which had lain unattended soon came for the couple in a decorated plate like materials for a laboratory examination. The couple kissed as they shared a small piece of the cake to the admiration and commendation of bemused onlookers.

    Chairman of the reception, Chief Olu Bamisaiye, urged the couple to: “Let your maturity, tolerance and mutual love continue to grow as from this moment so that your union will remain for many others coming behind you an example to copy and emulate. Learn to cover and overlook your weaknesses and mistakes. Discuss issues and never expose secrets of your own family even to the closest of your friends”.

    Olawale said he never doubted that the union would work.

    “She is my love and my life. I have never been the same since I met her. She has mastered me the way only a wife should of her husband,” he said.

    The bride made a vow too: “I love Olawale and he knows I do love him. Today is the official start of a journey we had both started together long ago. I pray for God’s support and guidance on our latest journey together.”

  • Force of attraction too strong to repel

    DUPE and Sesan were both as different as chalk and cheese. She had grown up in an orthodox, aristocratic family, proud of her tradition and lineage. Sesan on the other hand grew up in a laid-back Christian household. Her mother and father were her source of pride and she saw almost everything from their perspective. These two lovebirds met in their university during their post graduate studies in the Arts department and it was started first as friendship and then Cupid’s arrow brought them to the affectionate corridor.

    Scroll back down memory lane and you discover how hate melted into love. When Dupe first ran into this handsome dude at the fresher’s party, she didn’t even like his attitude. He was in the company of her school mate who introduced him briefly as her cousin. For the first ten minutes, they argued over every topic and she vowed never to have anything to do with this guy again. She thought he was too cavalier and he thought she was not in touch with reality.

    Interestingly, fate had other plans for them. Alphabetically destined together, Dupe and Sesan ended up sitting next to each other in class the following week. How was she going to handle this guy? Should she move away and find a better space? Well, something told her not to worry and just be herself. He was in a better mood or could it be that he had repented?

    Two weeks after that encounter, he also began to view her differently and they got closer and closer. She had never been so happy in her life. Everything about him was strange, different and exciting, waiting to be explored. He was so mysterious and, yet, so loving and she couldn’t wait to spend the rest of her life with him.

    Dupe and Sesan were as unlike as it could get. They were undeniably different. Their backgrounds, their upbringing, their culture, and their outlook towards life were all different. But though poles apart, it seemed like the magnetic laws were soon to start applying to them. The force of attraction was too strong to repel. They were soon quite inseparable. Most times, you do not really know who a person is until you give them a chance. At such moments, the adventurous side plays itself out and you can be sure to drink from the stream of love if you play your cards well.

    Of course, we all know that there are times when you put in so much and all you get is rejection. At such moments, all you need is to get a substitute and make yourself happy. Rejection doesn’t feel great and sometimes it feels unfathomable but it shouldn’t be something you allow to take away happiness from your life. The suffering that happens when rejection occurs comes from over-thinking the “loss” that you feel you are suffering.

    The reality of life is that rejection will form a part of itthere will be occasions when your date request will be rejected by someone, somewhere. It is a healthy attitude to accept that rejection is a part of life and to acknowledge that what really matters is finding the way to bounce back and try again. The truth of the matter is that, it is normal to feel bad, so don’t try to bottle up your disappointment and sadness.

    It is, however, better not to allow yourself to feel this way for too long. If you do not move away from being a sinking heart, then you may risk colouring your future emotional endeavours with a negative impression.

    You may also seek the help of a counsellor when you cannot handle it alone. Experts believe that you can open the window (s) of emotional possibilities with a loving and caring attitude towards your partner. In addition to all these, you also need to be thoughtful about the things that would captivate the one you adore as well as make him or her shed tears of affection and joy.

    You can put in extra effort and do everything that you have always imagined about your dream partner to the one that you finally find yourself entangled with for life. All you need to do an ’emotional transfusion’. This is a situation where you do everything on your affectionate list to the other person without holding anything back.

    Just give and give as much as you can and somehow you would discover that you are going to derive joy doing this too. By making someone happy you are investing happiness for yourself too and before you know it, it would be time to reap this emotional seeds in thousands. It is important to do this as often as you can and you can be sure of a great transformation in your relationship.

    If the challenge that you were experiencing was from your partner, then you are going to find that your partner will now become more caring, loving and thoughtful towards you. Here you would find that the energy of your unselfish acts resonates in the loving space of your partner.