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Ayomi, I’m sorry for everything or anything I did wrong. All I wanted was to be your best friend… at the happy times and the not so good times. I wanted a friendship based relationship….even when there would be no reason to love. I enjoy playing with you. I enjoy being me. Loved running around laughing hard with you. I craved a home like that. It made me go so much into you. I’m not the official hubby type "Okay…. I loved all that too and I wanted us to be like that forever" "So, I see no reason why you should be scared." "I was scared because I didn’t want a home like some I’m seeing around me" "And you perceived that coming?" "Not really. But your focusing too much on career scared me. You were always reading mostly motivational books" "Oh…. My dear, apart from kingdom service, all else I do is to provide for my family. And you knew that from the start, don’t you?" "I'm still scared but I don’t know how to ...

— (After few days, I reopened the conversation) ‘Hello dear. Good afternoon.’ I opened up a conversation. ‘Good afternoon’ ‘Um… I’m keeping so much to myself. Not happy about that.’ ‘Why?’ She asked ‘She deserted me. I don’t know if I know her again.’ ‘Okay. So, what are you going to do about her?’ ‘Marry her!’ I affirmed. ‘What if she does not want to?’ ‘She might also want to explain “why not”,’ I followed up. ‘Maybe she’s having a second thought about marriage itself’ ‘The seminary is opened then. It would make the story more interesting’. ‘She is not interested in going to the seminary’ ‘Then… there’s a mix up. Who doesn’t know the “why” for existence? Identity crisis, I perceive.’ ‘It is not a matter of knowing the “why” for ...

Stanley's Birthday was around the corner but no party in view. He was now often seen with Jumoke than me - a new development I gladly embraced. They began what appear to me as a journey to spiritual growth together. They played together, studied the Bible together and all other in-between. I had initially wanted to take that up with Jumoke but I refrained. I didn't want to cloud her vision or influence her choice of eventually accepting my proposal. They spent evenings together and when Stanley would retire for guy's gist in the evening; nothing would be said about how the day was spent with regards to her. He hardly even mentions her now during our conversations. My instinct was a little bit suspicious initially but I silenced it's suggestions. I was sure that what I now know about her within some months, Stanley can never have known even though they had been friends from campus. I sat on that vantage point as a leverage over any other suitor. They both embarked ...

. At a juncture, I tried holding back the words that coalesced to form my only question. But I could not. So, dear, which of the former stories do you want me to believe and which ones should I debunk? I asked ‘I have poured all out, Ade. It’s left to you to sift’ I decided to pick only the fact that her dad was late and resting all others on ‘ as you see, believe’ ---- Her actions say, yes, but she won’t let out the words. I resolved to schedule a perfect time to pose the proposal afresh. I have heard female friends attest to the fact that accepting a marriage relationship proposal after a long while might be just as difficult as making the proposal in the first place. Banking on this experience, I waited for any available opportunity to do so. Some days later, Adeyinka came visiting with foodstuff and other necessities. She introduced him to me – although I have heard a lot about him but we haven’t seen each other facially. He w...

We all left the location to secure our voter's card. Since I already had mine in my possession, the period was just a time to visit friends and family. I decided to spend the days at an aunt's place - the same city Olajumoke resides - but that would entirely be without her prior notice. While flipping throw her photo album back at the location, I had seen a familiar face whom she introduced as having known since childhood. Adesua had been a close friend on campus - hardly would a day go by and we won't exchange pleasantries either on social media or physically on campus. I had discussed my seeing her in Olajumoke's album with her and she affirmed they grew up together in the same Church only that they had never been very close. I could give Jumoke a surprise visit, the thoughts ran through my mind. And since I now had a good contact, I do not need her to give me her house description. Adesua already knew we were fond of each other but she had never posed a direc...

The presidential election was now very well underway. It was only few months away. All media platforms had been loaded with flyers and bills for electioneering campaign. Our Vice Chancellor, a politically inclined man himself, had announced a two-day lecture free period to enable all eligible students obtain their voter's cards. The news reached us at our location - thanks to social media networks - information now travel very fast. I recall an instance some years back when I had to use the postal service to deliver a notification of my homecoming in few weeks time. I was shocked to receive the letter myself after few days into my arrival at home. The system was that sluggish. But things have changed now - news travel within the twinkle of an eye. We approached the HR head and after much pressing, he obliged to our two days break. The break would be prolonged by the weekend - so, work would only continue the next Monday. Although there were over thirty registered parties accor...

. . Maybe I should say providing a shoulder to lean on during those times yielded our current fondness for each other or better still further endeared her to me - because on my part, the love for her knew no bounds. I assumed I ought to be the party that would be shying away. While I was much younger, I had a friend who upon proposing to his best female friend then, he could no longer look her in the face. She became more like his Lord. She had also stated that his proposal was a shocker to her. In fact, she proceeded to saying that all that could ever be between them was friendship. I was awestruck when he broke the news to me. I could not hold back the words that rang in my head. ‘Is she God? Knowing today, tomorrow and next,’ I submitted angrily. Only to find out later that she accepted the proposal but it was then too late as my bosom friend already zeroed it from his mind and simply enjoyed the friendship. He is happily married now with lovely kids. ‘At lea...

Standing right in front of my door was Olajumoke. Diverse thoughts ran through my mind immediately – I felt the set time had come. She rarely comes to my room, not even after I made the startling proposal (in her words though) . What a surprise! ‘Please, come in.’ ‘Thank you,’ She said - wrapped up with smiles like one who had just won a visa lottery to the States. ‘You look bright and radiant in that smile,’ I complimented. ‘Ade, guess what? I just got a really big contract. I have been pushing this for months all to no avail – only to get a message from Olaide saying we have been invited to an interview scheduled for next Monday. I am talking about thousands of naira here and a sponsored trip abroad.’ Olaide was the only female close friend I knew with her. Her growing up had been filled with more male friends than female. Mine was the other way round. I relate well with female friends than males. I just love the natura...

‘Ade, I am thinking of giving Jumoke surprise treats on her birthday,’ Stanley said Oh! That would be great. I actually discussed a party with her last night but she insisted she was currently broke ‘Exactly what she told me too. But I feel we could make up something for her. Or what do you think?’ By now, I just resolved in my heart that whatever I would do would be for friendship. ‘Alright, count me in,’ I responded. The plans began immediately. When it comes to party plans, Stanley was always in his natural element. The items needed were listed and the total amount required was split into two, but I took the large share. I never wanted it to appear as though I was paying my way through, to winning her heart – so, I struck a deal with Stanley. I made Stanley promise me that praises for the money spent would go to him exclusively and that I would be content with a ‘thank you’ for supporting with the planning and logistics. H...

. . Olajumoke’s birthday was now around the corner. Our communication level had dropped drastically. She told me point blank on one occasion that my proposal was still a shocker to her – more like she was disappointed to receive that from me. . I tried consoling myself by assuming that the proposal should have been delayed for some months – but words cannot be swallowed and I knew quite well what I was getting myself into. --- ‘Your girlfriend’s birthday is in two days,’ Stanley said. My girlfriend! ‘I don’t remember telling you I have one,’ I replied ‘Um…pretense! Even a blind man can see the writings on the wall clearly.’ ‘Please spare me the details,’ I replied bluntly. But that was enough reminder that Olajumoke’s birthday was in two days. I suppose that would be a good topic for discussion later in the evening when I go check on her. --- ‘Good evening dear, how was your day?...

. . Every of those correlations became to me like signs and proofs. But I never put out a fleece like Gideon in the first place. I wasn’t asking God to prove to me if the helpmeet He had been preparing is wrapped up inside Olajumoke or not. I was simply busy with my assignment in the garden of the Lord. I took a weekend off the location to really know what was next. The truth was that I loved her person – but not for a marriage relationship. After much hearty communions, I got peace within to go ahead. All along, I never discussed it officially with Stanley but I was sure that he would be thinking towards that direction. He didn’t mention it either. They both still enjoyed friendship. I eventually made a formal proposal. We were both in a relaxed mood, talking about the friendship brimming with fondness and mutual affection when I verbally submitted the content of the proposal. ‘Olajumoke, can we build a future together?’ I asked. (Shocked) She sai...

. . With time, I spread my tentacles, seeing that it was an opportunity to make more friends. My attraction to Olajumoke became so obvious that Stanley was beginning to be suspicious. They had both shared a cordial relationship from campus but he affirmed that there were no strings attached. Our friendship heightened so much drastically that I spend a bulk of my after work time in her room, ‘ gisting .’ What further endeared her to me was her curiosity for knowledge too. Right there beside her bed was a pile of books on subjects like spiritual growth and discipleship. We were soon discussing our likes, dislikes, goals, life assignment and hobbies - each one blending well into the other. But even at that, I nursed no intention of making a proposal for a marriage relationship. I was simply enjoying friendship. The rhythm began to be even more melodious when we started discussing childhood experiences and how growth had been thus far. The similarities were awe-striking -...

. . The Omidan Wura train journeyed from the far West just like the Queen of the South did to listen to the wisdom of King Solomon. She travelled with some of her choicest protégés as they pay homage to the elder marriage man himself, Elder Adeyinka Rogers. - ‘Daughter, it's good to have you around’ ‘The feelings are mutual, dad.’ ( Looking in the direction of her entourage ) Hope my assumptions are right? Your protégés! 'Yes Sir. I could not come with a larger number due to the festive season we are in. Most of them travelled home already.' 'That's alright. Prince Aderopo is already in the country too. In fact, with my calculations, he should be here in some minutes - their flight was a bit delayed.' 'I was about asking too. I can't wait to meet them.' ( He turns to Omidan Wura's protégés ) ‘Sons and daughters, you are welcome. Wuraola, please get them something from the refrigerator.’ 'I trust mummy. She w...

. . What age is right for a marriage relationship? Ladies, especially we sisters (in the Christian faith), want someone who would be a spiritual giant (that should be the default anyways) with all other aspects of his life totally perfect. But a point of caution here is this – the fact that a brother can call heaven down and he looks like God’s younger brother does not make him the best match for you. In fact, in some cases, that might be a mere public persona. We often judge based on what we see in public – try to know his person and be sure that’s really a lifestyle. Don’t fall into wrong hands! Many have mixed with the fold today with an intention of devouring godly sisters and all they need to do is ‘ act ’ for a while. They just try to discover what you want and pretend to possess those attributes – when indeed they do not. A man can do anything or go any length to get what he wants. Some are also of the habit of approaching ...

. . A few days into the 21 days experience, I embarked on a business trip that took me past his city of residence. I decided to stop over very early that morning to appreciate him for laboring on our behalf and cheer him on. You need to see the shock on his face upon seeing me. It was as though the Lord had prepared a table before him in the presence of his friends and family. The delicacies before him spurned me into salivating immediately. I have not even made a comment when he blurted out. ‘My son, our prayers have been answered.’ I stood aghast – not knowing if I should start laughing or beating him to death. I left angrily and did narrate my ordeal to mummy when I got back home. Her response was, “Don’t mind them; they are a bunch of useless fools.” But that would not stop us from reaching out still to others for help. As soon as mummy hears that there is someone again somewhere who speaks to God directly, we are on our way. It was a tu...