My marriage… With Benjamin Ishaya

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How did you meet your wife?

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I hail from Kaduna State, from Zango Kataf Local Government Area. I met my wife, Rahab, through my best friend who eventually became my best man. Rahab was his cousin, and he introduced us to each other when she came to visit her aunt who lived in our area. Her aunt also worshipped in the same church as me.

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What features did you like about her?

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One of the first things I liked about her was her respectful nature. She is also God-fearing and came from a disciplined family. Most importantly, she is a devoted Christian.

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How did you propose to her?

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Proposing to her was so easy because my best friend had already told her much about me, and she confirmed this with her aunt. It was easy for me, so when I proposed to her, she gladly accepted my proposal. To the glory of God, we courted for six years and got married on December 6, 2009. God has blessed us with three children.

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Was financial might an important factor you considered before marriage?

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In marriage, financial might is an important factor to consider. As a man, you must be ready to take your responsibility in paying your bills. Even though I wasn’t really working at the time we married, I had a small business I managed.

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What event on your wedding day was the most memorable to you?

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The memorable part of my wedding was during the church service. Different singing groups sang songs of praise that made us dance; it was a joyous moment as the whole congregation danced and rejoiced with us.

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How has being a father and a husband changed you as a person?

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Being a husband and father has really changed my behaviour. I no longer see things as I used to. It has helped me to be more focused and not have to always depend on people. It has made me smarter and put in me a protective instinct for my wife and children. As the head of the family, I make sure my family look up to me.

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

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My advice to youths planning to get married is for them to be prayerful and ask God to join them with the right partner – someone who is the bone of their bone and flesh of their flesh. Marriage is not a child’s play.

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