40 YEARS, ONE LOVE: WHAT HAS KEPT THIS ONDO COUPLE TOGETHER?
They met in 1979, married in 1986 and, 40 years later, renewed their vows in a celebration of love, faith and commitment. Human Interest Reporter, Oluwaseyi Elizabeth Jimoh, reports on the inspiring journey of GOFAMINT couple Elder Christopher Akinola Olasehinde and Mrs Moromoke Owolola and the lessons their enduring union holds for a younger generation.
GOFAMINT, ONDO COUPLE RENEW VOWS AFTER 40 YEARS, INSPIRE YOUNGER GENERATION
A GOFAMINT couple, Elder Christopher Akinola Olasehinde and his wife, Mrs Moromoke Owolola, have renewed their marriage vows after 40 years, describing their enduring union as a testament to God’s faithfulness and an inspiration to the younger generation.
The couple, who are from Ondo State and members of the Gospel Faith Mission International GOFAMINT, began their relationship in 1979 while they were students at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University.
Their friendship later blossomed into love and culminated in marriage on August 16, 1986.
After four decades of marriage, the couple gathered family members, friends, church members and associates to celebrate the milestone and reaffirm their commitment to each other.
The anniversary celebration, coordinated by Pastor Samuel Oluwanimotele, featured thanksgiving prayers, presentations by the couple’s grandchildren, testimonies and other activities.
Speaking on the theme, “Build to Last,” the guest preacher, Pastor Dr Babafemi Ilori, said reaching 40 years in marriage was a significant achievement, particularly at a time when many marriages were being threatened by intolerance and other societal pressures.
Ilori advised young couples to build their marriages on Christ and the teachings of the Bible rather than on cultural, social or social media influences.
He said, “It is not a small feat to see a marriage clocking 40 years in this age when it is difficult for two humans to accommodate and tolerate one another.”
Testimonials were also offered by friends, family members and church associates who described the Olasehindes’ marriage as a godly union.
The General Manager of Positive FM, Akure, Engineer Steve Omonagbe, who represented ministers and members of GOFAMINT, described the couple as an example of a godly marriage.
Omonagbe prayed for the couple to enjoy many more years together in good health and strength, saying, “Although they are 40, we have just begun to count many more years in good health and strength.”
The couple’s children, Dr Oluwamuyiwa Ayokunle and Mr Ayomide Oluwasola, expressed appreciation to guests for joining the family in celebrating the anniversary.
The event also featured the participation of alumni of the University of Ife, with renditions and chants adding colour to the celebration. The presence of the alumni was particularly significant as the couple had also attended the institution.
A family game moderated by media professional Chioma Ogungbenro of OSRC provided another highlight of the celebration. During a question-and-answer session, the couple’s sons spoke about the values and lessons they received from their parents while growing up.
The wives of the couple’s sons also paid glowing tributes to their in-laws, commending them for raising their children well.
Read Also: “Don’t Let Social Media Counsel Dictate How You Run Your Home,” Pastor Cautions Couples
Beneficiaries and associates of the family also shared testimonies about the couple’s impact on their lives, describing them as hospitable, generous, dedicated and selfless.
They said the Olasehindes had consistently used their personal resources, professional experience and properties to serve humanity and add value to the lives of others.
The celebration ended with thanksgiving and prayers for the couple, their children and grandchildren, with guests commending them for sustaining their union for four decades.
Watch the highlights of the event
