“Cleaning for love?,” How environmental sanitation exercise opened chapters of friendship, relationship and marriage for The Komolafes in three years

The monthly environmental sanitation exercise was introduced by government to allow residents partake in cleaning their immediate environments, homes and also maintain personal hygiene.

It usually held on last Saturday of the month from 7am to 10am. Some communities look up to it as it also affords them reunion and Community Development Association (CDA) meeting opportunities.

On this fateful sanitation day in Akure, the Ondo state capital, a resident who just moved in to the area joined the exercise but obviously did not know his way around disposing the wastes. Another resident who had been watching with keen interest offered to help him around when he asked for help. That was supposed to be the end of a show.

But no! Somehow, these two residents jammed at a community grocery store again and immediately recognised each other. That was where the real conversation and friendship started. And you know it doesn’t take long for the rest to be history.

It’s been 16 years of that accidental sanitation meeting and 13 years of living life together as Mr and Mrs Komolafe with beautiful kids to show for it…isn’t our God good?

While the exercise is now almost relaxed in most states, however, some, especially Lagos and Ogun are beginning to revive it, though with some modifications.

If you’re of the single and searching status and resident in Lagos, I’ll advise you participate in the next environmental sanitation exercise in your area. You never can tell, Your Mr or Mrs Right may just be standing right by your side.

Now let’s hear from our wonderful sanitation lovers!

 

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

Mr Komolafe: Our story started during a monthly environmental sanitation exercise in our neighbourhood in Akure. I had just moved into the area and honestly didn’t know many people.

Mrs Komolafe: I had lived there for years. That morning, everyone was sweeping, clearing gutters and cutting overgrown grasses. I noticed this new neighbour trying his best but looking completely lost.

Mr Komolafe: She laughed when I asked where I could dispose of the waste because I didn’t know the area. Instead of laughing at me, she walked me there herself. We talked while working, and somehow the conversation flowed so naturally.

Mrs Komolafe: A few days later, we bumped into each other at a nearby grocery shop. From there, friendship started, and before long, we were looking forward to seeing each other every day.

 

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

Mr Komolafe: The day I knew was when I saw how she handled disappointment. Something she had worked so hard for didn’t happen, yet she refused to become bitter. She simply said, “Life doesn’t always go our way, but we keep moving.” That strength stayed with me.

Mrs Komolafe: For me, it wasn’t one big moment. It was many small ones. He was the same person everywhere…with me, with his friends, with his parents and even with strangers. That consistency gave me confidence that he wasn’t pretending.

 

3. How many years have you been together?

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

Mrs Komolafe: We’ve been happily married for 13 years.

 

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

Mr Komolafe: We’ve learned to laugh at ourselves. Not every mistake has to become a serious discussion.

Mrs Komolafe: We also protect our time together. Even if it’s just sitting outside for twenty minutes after dinner, those little moments keep us connected.

 

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 Komolafe: Every Saturday morning, we prepare breakfast together. It started because we wanted to share the work, but now it’s something we genuinely enjoy.

Mrs Komolafe: One funny habit we have is creating silly nicknames for each phase of our lives. We even gave names to the years when money was tight, when the children were toddlers and when we finally bought our first car. Looking back at those names always makes us laugh.

 

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

Mr Komolafe: In our early years, we spent too much time trying to prove who was right.

Mrs Komolafe: Now we ask ourselves a different question: “What will help our marriage?” .

 

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

Mr Komolafe: She never lets me leave the house without saying, “Take care of yourself.” hearing those words every day reminds me that someone is always waiting for me.

Mrs Komolafe: He celebrates ordinary days. Sometimes he’ll come home with roasted corn, fresh fruits or my favourite chin chin just because he thought of me.

 

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

Mr Komolafe: There was a season when both of us were chasing career growth while raising young children. We were exhausted most of the time.

 

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

Mr Komolafe: Don’t only admire your partner’s strengths. Learn how to support them in their weak moments too.

Mrs Komolafe: Never stop being curious about each other. People grow over the years. Keep learning who your spouse is becoming.

 

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

Mr Komolafe: Growth.

Mrs Komolafe: We’ve spent thirteen years proving that love isn’t something you find once…it’s something you keep building together, one ordinary day at a time.