[Couple Spotlight] ‘No need searching further,’ How the Effiongs are keeping spark alive 16 years after meeting at a restaurant

16 years ago in a cool Surulere neighbourhood, a restaurant not only innocently fed two soulmates but also played host to what would be the journey of a lifetime. 

Still adorning their single status with pride, both set out from their respective destinations for a sumptuous meal at this restaurant. Like any business entity, the restaurant gladly opened its doors to the would-be lovers. It was while pretentiously glancing at the menu that Mrs Effiong caught the vibes in her direction from Mr Effiong.

Seeing, there was a caught, Mr Effiong summoned courage to go join his instant crush at her table. And that meal together sealed the affair. Both needed not act childish about a genuine feeling they had for each other.

That meal together later moved to chats, friendship and more dinner dates. Like they say, the rest is now history. 16 years has passed by and these lovebirds have never looked back.

While it’s not been exactly a rosy journey, however, having each other’s back made confronting whatever challenges sprung up along the way easier together and that is why they are still standing strong together.

It’s another beautiful love story. Please read on for complete ‘gist’ from the couples themselves.

 

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

Mrs. Effiong: We met at a restaurant in Surulere. I was out having lunch with a friend, and he was sitting a few tables away. He kept glancing in my direction, pretending to be checking the menu.

Mr. Effiong: I noticed her before I even ordered. There was just something about how calm she looked. I finally gathered courage to ask if I could join her table, and we ended up talking for hours.

Mrs. Effiong: From that day, we kept in touch. It started with casual chats, then dinner dates, and before long, it felt like we’d known each other for years.

 

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

Mrs. Effiong: I knew he was the one when I realized I could truly be myself around him , no pretending, no pressure. He made me feel seen.

Mr. Effiong: For me, it was her kindness. Once, I fell ill and she showed up with food, medicine, and jokes. I thought, “This woman is wife material, no need to search further.” She still have that her natural way of making me feel strong even in my weakest moment.

 

3. How many years have you been together?

Both: Sixteen amazing years together and we’re still counting.

 

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

Mrs. Effiong: We still make time for dates ; even if it’s just breakfast before work or movie night after the kids sleep.

Mr. Effiong: And communication. We talk about anything and everything , serious or silly. We also laugh a lot; I think laughter is one of our love languages.

 

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

Mrs. Effiong: He texts me random sweet messages during the day, just like when we were dating. Oh how I love it always

Mr. Effiong: She still insists we celebrate small wins. Even if I just finished a project, she’ll say, “Let’s eat out tonight.” That “restaurant habit” never left us , maybe because that’s where it all began.

 

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

Mr. Effiong: Back then, we both wanted to have the last word. Now, we’ve learned that peace is better than pride.

Mrs. Effiong: True. We take breaks when we’re angry and talk after we’ve cooled down. And prayer, we always go back to God. That’s our anchor.

 

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

Mrs. Effiong: He still pulls out chairs and opens doors for me, even after all these years. My husband is very romantic, he understands my love language and he speaks it so well.

Mr. Effiong: She still greets me with a hug when I get home, no matter how tired she is. Her warmth is everything for me at all times.

 

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

Mr. Effiong: There was a time our finances took a hit. I lost a contract, and we had to adjust our lifestyle. But she never blamed me or complained. She encouraged me every single day.

Mrs. Effiong: It was tough, but it drew us closer. We learned that love isn’t about comfort, it’s about commitment. We prayed, supported each other, and rebuilt from there.

 

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

Mrs. Effiong: Marry your friend, not your fantasy. Looks and vibes fade while friendship and patience last.

Mr. Effiong: Always keep dating each other. Don’t stop doing the small yet significant things that brought you together in the first place.

 

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

Both: Grace.

Mr. Effiong: Because every season has tested us, but grace has carried us through , from that first meal in a restaurant to 16 years of choosing each other daily.