[Couple Spotlight] ‘I went for jollof rice and live band, ended up meeting Chinedu,’ How the Okafors caught the love bug at their friend’s wedding

It’s been 14 years of friendship and 12 years of marriage for Mr and Mrs Chinedu Okafor and yet their exciting conversation about each other makes it feel like they just met and kick started their relationship hours ago. You need not be told, you can feel it that this is one match made in heaven. 

 

Having both talk to me on their love journey was as sweet as the love they share. It all started at a friend’s wedding they both attended some years back in Enugu. Both had different agendas for the day. While Mrs Okafor was salivating the party jollof rice and humming to likely sound from the band even before leaving home, Mr Okafor on the other hand was on a mission to pick his own better half at the wedding.

 

Both had their prayers answered! The wedding never lacked tempting trays of party jollof rice. It was in excess supply. The band also did not disappoint. They delivered sweet melodies to taste. The one looking for a better half also got her in perfect size and shape. Isn’t our God wonderful? Mrs Okafor’s couldn’t even finish the plate of party jollof rice she so longed for at the sight of Mr Okafor who was also dazzled at the delivery of his divine specification steering at him in the face…

 

Please walk with me on this special love journey:

 

1. Can you take us back to how your love story started?

Mrs Okafor: We met at a friend’s wedding in Enugu. I was honestly there for the jollof rice and live band, not romance but Chinedu was the best man, and he made me laugh so much that night, I forgot to eat half of what I had on my plate.

 

Mr Okafor: I still tease her about that! We exchanged numbers, started talking, and within a few weeks, it felt like we’d known each other forever.

 

2. What was the moment you knew “this is the one”?

Mr Okafor: She came to visit me when I was sick, and instead of just checking in, she rolled up her sleeves, cooked my favorite bitterleaf soup, and even ironed my clothes for work the next week. That kind of care stays with a man.

 

Mrs Okafor: For me, it was when I saw how he treated his mum with so much respect and gentleness. I thought, “If this is how he treats her, then I’ll be in safe hands.”

 

3. How many years have you been together?

Both: 14 years together, 12 years married.

 

4. What has been your secret to keeping the spark alive all these years, especially after the arrival of kids?

 

Mrs Okafor: We plan date nights, even if it’s just buying suya and sitting in the car while the kids are at my sister’s place. We talk a lot and never assume we know what the other is feeling.

 

Mr Okafor: We also flirt …yes, even in the kitchen while cooking. And we laugh at silly things, because marriage without laughter feels too heavy.

 

5. How do you both make each other feel special, even in small ways? What fun habits have stayed with you throughout your marriage?

 

Mr Okafor: I still send her random “I miss you” texts during work hours.

 

Mrs Okafor: I still hide little love notes in his wallet before he travels. We’ve been doing that since our first year together.

 

6. How do you handle disagreements or tough moments now, compared to your early years?

 

Mrs Okafor: In the early years, we both wanted the last word. Now, we care more about peace than being right. We take breaks, cool off, then talk calmly.

 

Mr Okafor: We’ve also learned to apologize quickly. Pride doesn’t sleep in our house anymore.

 

7. What’s one thing your partner still does that melts your heart?

 

Mrs Okafor: He still opens the car door for me. Every single time.

 

Mr Okafor: She still prays for me before I travel. That prayer stays with me.

 

8. What was one of the biggest challenges you faced together, and how did you overcome it?

 

Mr Okafor: When I lost my job in our 5th year of marriage. It was a rough patch.

 

Mrs Okafor: We overcame it by standing together, budgeting tightly, and encouraging each other. I kept reminding him, “This is just a season.” And it was.

 

9. What advice would you give to younger couples hoping for a lasting marriage?

 

Mr Okafor: Don’t compare your marriage to anyone else’s — you don’t know their battles.

 

Mrs Okafor: Learn to love your spouse in their own language, not just yours. And keep God at the center.

 

10. If you could sum up your marriage in one word or sentence, what would it be?

 

“A team through every season.”