An Octogenarian couple, Pa Thomas Ayanbode and Mama Ruth Mojirade Adedokun have advised young couples to always ignore negative comments about their spouses and other distractions in order to have long lasting peaceful marriage.
The couple while speaking with the newsmen during a thanksgiving ceremony in commemoration of their 55th marriage anniversary on Dec. 26, 2024 in Ibadan also noted that many marriages are failing in recent times due to lack of perseverance.
Pa Thomas Adedokun while eulogising his wife noted that Mama Ruth Adedokun brought love and joy into his life, and did many things behind the scenes to keep the marriage growing.
He added that his wife ventured into many petty trading at the early days of their marriage so as to ensure that her children do not lack care.
Pa Adedokun described Mama Ruth as his great pillar of support even in the midst of challenges and negative comments from neighbours and when he had to travel in search of greener pastures leaving her with the children.
“I thank her for the wonderful years together, for the love and joy she brought into my life, and I also appreciate her for all the things that she does behind the scenes that she thinks I do not see just to protect this marriage, “he said.
On her part, Mama Ruth described Pa Adedokun as a committed husband and partner who prioritizes and invests in his marriage, demonstrating his dedication through actions and words.
“He is a supportive husband who encourages and helps his partner to achieve goals. He builds and maintains trust in our marriage through honesty and transparency. He takes responsibility for his actions and apologizes when needed, “she said.
She urged young couples to see patience as a valuable virtue that could bring numerous benefits to their marriage in the future, noting that early days of her marriage were tough but became pleasant later with prayer and patience.
“Patience helps couples to understand and connect with each other to achieve long-term marriage goals, “she said.
One of the children, Mrs. Adenike Olukemi Okewole, while speaking on behalf of the children described the union of their parents as the one worthy of emulation.
She expressed the gratitude of the children to their parents for the commitments and sacrifice made in the face of challenges to ensure that all their children stand out in the society.
The event featured cutting of the wedding anniversary cake, special song presentations by grandchildren, goodwill messages from friends of the family and prayers for more glorious years together for the celebrants among others.
