My marriage… With Pastor (Mrs) Febian Babatunde

Pastor and pastor (Mrs) Febian Babatunde

How did you meet your husband?

We met while on holiday. We were both students at the time. We first met on my way to my elder sister’s shop, and he accompanied me there. We got talking, and that was the beginning of the journey. We have been married for over 40 years, precisely 40 years and five months.

What were his attributes that you found attractive?

He is very loving and caring. He is a voracious giver and very compassionate. He was a great footballer when we met. I took an interest in watching him dribble at a primary school field opposite our family house then.

How did he propose to you?

He was in the university while I was in the teachers’ college. Most evenings, we would meet at my sister’s shop. To be candid, I was glad within me, as he was an undergraduate, very smart and intelligent. We were also both members of the Anglican Church.

He later visited me at my parents’ house. My father was not so happy with the manner in which he entered our house. But luckily, my elder brother arrived from Ilorin around the same time and met him. He succeeded in easing the tension, and that was the beginning of the relationship. My brother liked him, and he played a major role in our getting married eventually.

Was his financial might an important factor for you at the time?

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No! Not at all. We were both students when we started the relationship.

What event during your wedding was the most memorable to you?

It was the array of gospel ministers from various denominations during the church service. I also had the privilege of being the only daughter, out of all my siblings, whose dad handed over to a partner in the church. The whole family was proud of me.

How has being a mother and wife changed you as a person?

It comes with a lot of responsibilities and challenges. Taking care of children, family members and visitors, as well as coping with the ministry’s responsibilities, is quite a lot. It takes a lot of patience, maturity, wisdom, understanding and prayers.

What advice would you give to youths planning to get married?

They should endeavour to seek divine guidance before choosing partners. They should be prayerful and submit to good counselling from seasoned ministers who are happily married. It’s important that they identify at least one responsible family member from both sides whom they respect and who can counsel them in the relationship.