[Couple Spotlight] ‘Met at bus stop on a heavy raining evening,’ how two struggling passengers defied odds for love

You might have read it a couple of times here, my take that love is sacred and does not necessarily have to be found in the most luxurious places. Love can be found in the funniest, unexpected places often starting out with casual greetings or even a fight. 

People have found love at religious gatherings, academic settings, corporate environments, formal and informal meeting places, in banking halls, on queues, at supermarkets, hospital wards, rest rooms and at bus stops as was the case of my couple today.

The Akinsiwajus might have shrugged it away if they were earlier told that their first meeting place would be at a bus stop during a heavy downpour while waiting struggling to board a bus. This is because people hardly exhibit their friendly sides in those places in Lagos so as not to be taken undue advantage of by those masquerading urchins.

However, after being magnanimous enough to offer his umbrella to his would-be bride that fateful day, Mr Akinsiwaju made the bold move to initiate a conversation that lasted well over 20 minutes and that was the taking point.

These lovebirds who met 15 years ago have now built an enviable love empire in its 12th year and the journey still feels like it’s just starting for them.

Catch them gisting about their unique love story below:

 

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

Mr Akinsiwaju: We met in the most unexpected place — at a bus stop in Lagos. It was raining heavily that evening, and everyone was struggling to enter the same danfo. She was standing there, frustrated but composed. I offered her my umbrella, and we ended up talking while waiting for another bus. That 20-minute conversation felt unusually easy. I asked for her number before the bus arrived.

Mrs Akinsiwaju: I almost ignored him because Lagos men can be very forward. But he was respectful and didn’t force conversation. After that day, he would call just to ask if I got home safely. It started from there — small, consistent effort.

 

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

Mr Akinsiwaju: The day I fell sick and she showed up at my apartment unannounced with food she cooked herself. We were not even officially engaged then.

Mrs Akinsiwaju: When he defended me gently but firmly in front of extended family during a misunderstanding. He didn’t shout. He just stood for me with wisdom. That security meant everything.

 

3. How many years have you been together?

Mr Akinsiwaju: We’ve known each other for 15 years.

Mrs Akinsiwaju: And we’ve been married for 12 beautiful, stretching, growing years.

 

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

Mr Akinsiwaju: We don’t allow parenting to swallow our friendship. Once in a while, we intentionally step out alone.

Mrs Akinsiwaju: We still flirt. Even with children running around, we find moments to whisper jokes, exchange looks, or send messages during the day.

 

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 Akinsiwaju: I still open the car door for her. It’s something I started while we were dating, and I never stopped.

Mrs Akinsiwaju: I still spray his perfume for him before he leaves the house. it’s our thing. We also rate each other’s outfits like fashion judges before events.

 

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

Mr Akinsiwaju: Early on, I would withdraw when upset. Now, I communicate faster. We’ve learned that silence can create distance.

Mrs Akinsiwaju: We now attack the issue, not each other. We speak calmly, even if we need to take a short break first. Maturity has helped us realise we are on the same team.

 

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

Mr Akinsiwaju: The way she laughs when she’s truly happy. After all these years, that sound still makes me pause.

Mrs Akinsiwaju: When he randomly places his hand on my back while we’re walking. It’s protective and reassuring — like he’s saying, “I’m here.”

 

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

Mr Akinsiwaju: Relocating cities for work. It meant leaving comfort, family support, and stability.

Mrs Akinsiwaju: It wasn’t easy adjusting, but we supported each other emotionally. We reminded ourselves that growth sometimes requires discomfort. That season strengthened our partnership deeply.

 

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

Mr Akinsiwaju: Don’t marry only for chemistry. Marry someone whose values align with yours.

Mrs Akinsiwaju: Protect your marriage from unnecessary outside voices. Build your own rhythm and stay united.

 

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

Mr Akinsiwaju: Steady.

Mrs Akinsiwaju: Chosen — because we choose each other every day.