My marriage journey... With Samson Eleonye

Samson Eleonye

My wife became pregnant in our marriage's fifth year. The numeral five symbolizes grace, which translates to 'Oreofe' in Yoruba. This inspired our children's names, each reflecting the essence of grace.

How did you come across your wife?

I encountered my wife around 2008, and initially, she paid no heed to my attempts to woo her. Despite trying all the moves Teju Babyface made famous and failing miserably, I disregarded her until a chance reunion at a friend's gathering, where she was unexpectedly warm and receptive. Indeed, love can be found in the most unexpected places!

What was your reaction when your wife announced her pregnancy?

(Laughs) There was no need for her to say a word. I was right there, peering over her shoulder as the pregnancy test revealed its result. Overwhelmed, she wept, and I retreated to another room to hide my own tears. It marked the close of one chapter and the dawn of a new one.

My wife became pregnant in our marriage's fifth year. The numeral five symbolizes grace, which translates to 'Oreofe' in Yoruba. This inspired our children's names, each reflecting the essence of grace.

Do you recall your emotions when you first held your newborn?

Goodness gracious! He's the very image of his grandfather! The lad is a carbon copy of Gbadegesin Oyelakin!

Did you have a preference for the gender of your firstborn?

By the time we were blessed with children, I was so anxious and eager that the gender didn't matter to me. In my younger, single days, I used to claim I wanted only sons (sigh). Such was the folly and naivety of youth.

What impact has fatherhood had on you?

Oh, where to begin? A shorter list might be what has remained the same. If I had to pinpoint one significant change, it would be an increase in patience. With each passing day, I shed a bit more of my former impatience.

Is Yoruba the language you use with your kids?

Absolutely, yes. In fact, it's predominantly what I use when speaking with them. They owe their proficiency in English to their mother.

How do you ensure quality family bonding time?

Blessed with the gifts God has bestowed upon me and the legacy I've already built, I chose to take a hiatus to devote myself to my children's upbringing.

Investing a few years to nurture exceptional children is merely a minuscule fraction of one's lifetime.

Neglecting the formative 'wonder years' of your children due to career pursuits is a tragedy! It's an irreparable loss, and my heart goes out to those who prioritized their profession over their family.

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