Rasaq Okoya, the renowned billionaire industrialist, and his wife, Shade Okoya, recently marked a significant milestone in their marriage as they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.
The couple’s enduring love story has captivated many, particularly due to their stark age difference at the time of marriage.
Shade Okoya, who married Mr Okoya in 1999 at the age of 21 while he was 59, reflected on the journey of their union in an interview with Thisdaystyle.
When asked about the secret to their long-lasting marriage, Mr Okoya, who holds the titles CON and Aare Rasaq Akanni Okoya, emphasized the importance of commitment and effort in making a marriage work.
“A marriage is a union that is meant to last a lifetime,” Mr Okoya shared. “One should understand that before they go into it. You must do your best to make it work.”
Mrs Shade Okoya echoed her husband’s sentiments, emphasizing the significance of compromise, patience, and humility in maintaining a strong and enduring relationship.
She expressed gratitude for her husband’s wisdom and experience, highlighting the importance of listening and learning from each other during disagreements.
“The importance of compromise and, above all, patience cannot be understated,” Mrs Okoya remarked.
“Every single day, patience must be put into practice. My husband has a broad range of experience, and in respect to this, I have learned not to be in a hurry to respond during any disagreements we have; rather, I listen carefully to be sure I properly understand his point.”
She continued, “A strong determination to succeed in my marriage has always been a priority for me, and patience and humility have seen me through to date. I see my husband not just as my lover but as a friend and role model. I believe his love for me and his protection of me have also really helped our marriage.”