[Couple Spotlight] How hours of delayed flight at Lagos Airport birthed forever together for The Nwankwos

No passenger likes their flight delayed unnecessarily at airports but airlines will always be airlines. Those things happens and when you don’t fly a private jet yet, you just have to endure those extra boring, long hours waiting to be finally checked in for the flight. 

Such was the case of the set of passengers on this fateful day at the airport in Lagos. Delayed flight, no tangible explanations and the time gets ticked away. However, the popular saying that every disappointment is a blessing meant be true after all.

While one passenger was expressing away her frustration and attending to an urgent family issue via a phone conversation in her native Igbo dialect, another native speaker sitting close by was genuinely listening and taking interest so he could put in some words when she finally hung the phone.

She hung the phone and our dear Mr Nwankwo threw in a certain remark in Igbo to the admiration of our dear Mrs Nwankwo who could not but heave a sign of relief that a partner finally came along to calm the nerves.

Well, the rest as you no the say is history…16 years of relationship, 12 years of a marital bliss…welcome to the world of the Nwankwos!

 

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

Mr Nwankwo: We met at the departure hall of the Lagos airport. Our flight to Abuja was delayed for hours, and everyone was already tired and restless. She was seated close to me, speaking on the phone in Igbo, trying to calm someone down. When she ended the call, I made a light comment in Igbo, and she looked surprised. That was how we started talking.

Mrs Nwankwo: I remember that day clearly. I was stressed because of the delay and a family issue I was handling over the phone. When he spoke Igbo to me, it felt like a moment of relief — like I had found a familiar person in a crowded place. We ended up talking through the entire delay.

 

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

Mr Nwankwo: After we started dating, there was a time I had to travel out of the country for work. The distance was not easy, but she remained consistent, supportive, and patient. That showed me her strength.

Mrs Nwankwo: For me, it was the way he involved me in his decisions. He didn’t treat me like an option — he treated me like a partner, even before marriage.

 

3. How many years have you been together?

Mr Nwankwo: We’ve known each other for 16 years.

Mrs Nwankwo: We’ve been married for 12 years.

 

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

Mr Nwankwo: We are intentional about staying connected. No matter how busy life gets, we always find time to talk.

Mrs Nwankwo: We also don’t forget to appreciate each other. Small words like “thank you” and “well done” go a long way in marriage.

 

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 Nwankwo: I still send her voice notes sometimes, just like we used to when we were apart. It reminds us of those early days.

Mrs Nwankwo: I still tease him about that airport delay — I always say if the flight had not delayed, we might not have met . One habit we’ve kept is sharing stories about our day every night.

 

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

Mr Nwankwo: In the early years, we sometimes tried to prove who was right. Now, we focus on what is right for the marriage.

Mrs Nwankwo: We’ve learned to speak with respect, even when we disagree. That has helped us grow.

 

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

Mr Nwankwo: The way she supports me quietly.

Mrs Nwankwo: When he calls me “nwunye m” (my wife) with so much pride. It still feels special.

 

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

Mr Nwankwo: Managing long distance early in our relationship was a major challenge.

Mrs Nwankwo: We communicated constantly and trusted each other. That period actually strengthened our bond.

 

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

Mr Nwankwo: Build trust and protect it.

Mrs Nwankwo: Always remember that marriage is a partnership, not a competition.

 

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

Mr Nwankwo: Enduring.

Mrs Nwankwo: A journey built on trust, respect, and shared growth.