[Couple Spotlight] “Serving fatherland and catching feelings,” How the Osagies used one stone to kill two birds in Lagos NYSC camp

While receiving their respective call up letters for the the one year compulsory national service to fatherland some 15 years ago, the Osagies had just one thing in mind, to serve the nation with pride and see where takes them from there. 

But little did they know that fate had something else in design for them and it started unfolding on the parade ground. Despite thousands of other corps members adorned in either the white top and shorts or full traditional kits, these two sweethearts weren’t lost in the crowd. Likely in same platoon, they found ways to take interest in each other and further discovered they were from same state, Edo.

In no time, they connected fully and the rest they say is now history…indeed what the  National Youth Service Scheme (NYSC) has joined together, let no man put asunder!

 

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

Mr Osagie: We met during the NYSC orientation camp in Lagos. It was during the second week when everyone had started settling into camp life. I first noticed her during morning parade; she was always punctual. Later that day we happened to sit next to each other during a lecture, and we started talking.

Mrs Osagie: Camp can be very chaotic with so many people everywhere, but somehow our paths kept crossing. The first proper conversation we had was while waiting to collect our meal at the mammy market. We discovered we were both from Edo State, and that immediately created a connection.

 

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

Mr Osagie: It was after camp when we both got posted to different parts of Lagos for our primary assignments. Despite the busy schedules, she always made time to check on me. Her consistency stood out.

Mrs Osagie: For me, it was how responsible he was even as a young corps member. He was focused on building his future and was very respectful to my family when he eventually met them.

 

3. How many years have you been together?

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

Mrs Osagie: And we’ve been married for 11 wonderful years.

 

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

Mr Osagie: We remind ourselves that our relationship comes first before everything else. When the children are asleep, we still create time to talk and laugh together.

Mrs Osagie: We also celebrate small milestones. Even simple things like going out for dinner or taking a quiet walk together help us reconnect.

 

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 Osagie: I still tease her about how serious she looked during parade in NYSC camp. It always makes her laugh.

Mrs Osagie: I always remind him that he was the one who kept asking questions during camp lectures. One habit we’ve kept is sharing stories about our day every evening.

 

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

Mr Osagie: In our early years we reacted quickly when we disagreed. Now we take time to understand each other’s perspective.

Mrs Osagie: We’ve learned that patience and calm communication make a big difference.

 

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

Mr Osagie: The way she cares for the family and still finds time to support my goals.

Mrs Osagie: His calmness. Even when things are stressful, he always tries to keep everyone grounded.

 

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

Mr Osagie: Adjusting to married life while building our careers was not easy.

Mrs Osagie: But we supported each other and learned to grow together during that season.

 

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

Mr Osagie: Choose someone whose values align with yours.

Mrs Osagie: Never stop communicating with each other.

 

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

be?

Mr Osagie: Partnership.

Mrs Osagie: A journey of love, patience, and growth.