“From casual bus park conversations to friendship, relationship & saying I do,” The Aderemis’ 15-year journey of love and everything in between

When Mr Aderemi started up a casual conversation with fellow female passenger standing by at the bus park in Ibadan, the Oyo State Capital on that fateful day, he never knew it was the first step in the journey of forever for them.

As if she had also been waiting for the conversation, she flowed well and that gave Mr Aderemi the impetus to keep the conversation alive even after they had both boarded their respective buses. He simply went steps ahead by demanding for her contact and she graciously gave it.

Without hesitation, he called his new found park friend later that evening and that was it. Both enthusiastic friends willing to advance the course of the conversation allowed the friendship grow by doing bits from their ends to water the friendship garden which soon matured into a blossoming relationship.

It’s been 15 years of that bus park meeting and 12 years of accepting to be part of each others lives on a forever contract basis.

Join me in welcoming this beautiful couple as they happily let us into their 15-year love life journey!

 

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

Mr Aderemi: We met at a bus park in Ibadan. I was waiting for a bus when I noticed her standing nearby. I made a simple comment about how long we had been waiting, and that started our conversation. We talked about where we were going and what we did for a living. I enjoyed speaking with her, so before we left, I asked for her number. I called her later that evening, and we gradually became friends.

Mrs Aderemi: He was friendly, and our conversation felt easy from the beginning. We got talking while waiting for our buses. He called me later that day, and we continued our conversation. With time, we became closer, and our friendship grew into a relationship.

 

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

Mr Aderemi: I became sure when I realised that I could talk to her about almost anything. She understood me, and even when we disagreed, I knew we could talk things through.                                                Mrs Aderemi: For me, it was the way he stood by me during a difficult period in my life. He did not make big promises; he showed up and offered his support. That was when I began to see him as someone I could depend on, not just someone I was in love with.

 

3. How many years have you been together?

Mr Aderemi: We have been together for 15 years and married for 12. When I look back, I realise how much we have grown individually and as a couple. We are not the same people we were when we first met, but I am grateful that we have continued to choose each other.

Mrs Aderemi: Fifteen years together and 12 years of marriage. We have experienced different seasons, and each one has taught us something.

 

4. What has helped you keep your marriage strong over the years, especially after the arrival of children?

Mr Aderemi: We try not to forget that we are husband and wife, not just parents. Taking care of the children and managing the home keep us busy, but we make an effort to check on each other.

Mrs Aderemi: I would say understanding and teamwork. Having children comes with extra responsibilities, and there are days when one person is more tired than the other. We have learnt to help each other instead of keeping score. We also try to spend time together after the children have gone to bed.

 

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

Mr Aderemi: I know she appreciates it when I notice the little things she does, so I try to tell her often. I also like bringing home something she enjoys when I can. Another habit we have is teasing each other over small things. Even after all these years, we can turn an ordinary conversation into something funny.

Mrs Aderemi: He knows I like being considered, so he involve me in his plans and ask for my opinion. I also make sure he knows I appreciate his efforts.

 

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

Mr Aderemi: In our early years, I sometimes wanted to settle an argument immediately, even when we were both upset. I have learnt that taking a little time to calm down can help. Now, I try to listen to what she is really saying instead of focusing only on defending myself.

Mrs Aderemi: I have learnt that not every disagreement needs to become a big issue. We are different people, so we will not always see things the same way. I try to explain how I feel without expecting him to read my mind. We also know when to apologise and move on instead of allowing a small issue to affect the whole day.

 

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

Mr Aderemi: She checks on me, even when she has a lot on her plate. Her message asking whether I have eaten or how work is going reminds me that somebody is thinking about me.

Mrs Aderemi: He ask me what is wrong more than once whenever he notice I am bothered because he knows I may not speak immediately. That patience makes me feel loved and understood.

 

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

Mr Aderemi: One major challenge was a period when our finances were tight, and we had several responsibilities to handle at the same time. It was not easy, but we learnt to plan our spending together and be honest about what we could afford. We encouraged each other and focused on taking things one step at a time.

Mrs Aderemi: That period taught me the importance of facing problems together. It would have been easy to blame each other or become frustrated, but we tried to be practical. We adjusted our plans, cut down on some expenses and kept reminding ourselves that the situation would not last forever. Looking back, I am proud of how we handled it as a team.

 

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

Mr Aderemi: Do not enter marriage expecting your partner to be perfect. You will both make mistakes, and you will both have things to learn. Be willing to listen, apologise and make changes when necessary. Love is important, but your daily actions also matter.

Mrs Aderemi: Learn to communicate honestly and respect each other, even when you disagree. Do not compare your marriage with what other people show outside. Every home has its own challenges, and you do not always know what another couple is going through. Focus on building a marriage that works for both of you.

 

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

Mr Aderemi: Partnership. We have learnt that marriage is not about one person carrying all the responsibility. We both have a role to play, and life becomes easier when we support each other.

Mrs Aderemi: Home. He is the person I share my everyday life with, the person I can laugh with and the person I want beside me through different seasons. After 12 years of marriage, I am grateful that we have continued to build a home together.