Mr Ogunleye won’t even have considered going for that blood donation on that fateful if not for the persistence of his friend whom he knew won’t stop disturbing if he skips another invite. He decided to honour this very invite.
He got to the centre, started the process by filling a registration form when his attention caught a lady who was perhaps donating for the first time and couldn’t hide her naiveness. Without hesitation, he moved closer to her, threw few jokes around to calm her and gently guided her through the process.
Both already looking like a pair in no time, eventually donated and were offered refreshments. It was while at it that they started talking deep and seemed fascinated about each other. They exchanged contacts, and brick by brick they built their friendship for three years before deciding to step up the ladder by solidifying the relationship.
It’s been seven years of doing life together as Mr and Mrs Ogunleye and you can still feel the excitement as strong it was when they first met at the blood donation centre despite the years past and arrival of kids.
1. Can you take us back to how your love story started?
Mr Ogunleye: Our story started at a blood donation drive in Lagos. A friend had invited me to donate blood, and honestly, I only went because he wouldn’t stop disturbing me. While filling out the registration form, I noticed a lady sitting nearby looking nervous.
Mrs Ogunleye: I was nervous because it was my first time donating blood. I kept asking questions and probably worried the volunteers too much. He overheard me and started sharing jokes to make me relax.
Mr Ogunleye: After the donation, they gave us refreshments. We spent almost an hour talking and by the time we left, I knew I wanted to see her again.
2. What was the moment you knew “this is the one”?
Mr Ogunleye: About a year into our relationship, I lost a business opportunity I had worked on for months. I was disappointed and frustrated. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, she kept reminding me of everything that was still possible. Her faith in me never shook.
Mrs Ogunleye: It was how dependable he was. If he said he would do something, he did it. No excuses, no stories. That consistency gave me confidence in our future.
3. How many years have you been together?
Mr Ogunleye: We have known each other for 10 years.
Mrs Ogunleye: We have been married for 7 beautiful years.
4. What has been your secret to keeping the spark alive all these years, especially after the arrival of kids?
Mr Ogunleye: We make room for fun. Life can get serious very quickly, so we intentionally create moments to laugh.
Mrs Ogunleye: We never stop appreciating each other. Even small efforts deserve recognition.
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 Ogunleye: Every Friday evening, I buy her favourite drink on my way home. It started randomly and somehow became our thing.
Mrs Ogunleye: Every Sunday morning, I make sure we have breakfast together before the day gets busy. One funny habit we have as well is guessing how our children will behave as teenagers and arguing about who they’ll resemble more.
6. How do you handle disagreements or tough moments now, compared to your early years?
Mr Ogunleye: When we were younger, we wanted solutions immediately.
Mrs Ogunleye: We’ve learned that some conversations need patience. We give each other space to think before responding.
7. What’s one thing your partner still does that melts your heart?
Mr Ogunleye: The way she remembers important dates and moments. Sometimes she remembers things I have completely forgotten.
Mrs Ogunleye: The way he prays for our family. It gives me peace every time.
8. What was one of the biggest challenges you faced together, and how did you overcome it?
Mr Ogunleye: A few years ago, we had to start over financially after a difficult period.
Mrs Ogunleye: We stayed united and refused to blame each other. We focused on rebuilding together.
9. What advice would you give to younger couples hoping for a lasting marriage?
Mr Ogunleye: Choose a partner you can genuinely talk to, not just someone you are attracted to.
Mrs Ogunleye: Learn to give grace. Nobody gets everything right all the time.
10. If you could sum up your marriage in one word or sentence, what would it be?
Mr Ogunleye: Resilient.
Mrs Ogunleye: A love that keeps growing through every season.