How we met Ike’s version

Picture it: London 30 years ago. That's where I was born and raised. But, although my roots are in Nigeria, I have never had the chance to visit my family's village. So, in 2022, my parents and I hopped on a plane to Nigeria, ready to explore and connect with our family roots. I spent a week in the village, soaking up the culture and meeting my mother's and father's relatives. I even made some new friends along the way!

One night, my parents took me to visit some family friends, and that's when things took an unexpected turn. I learned that these family friends had children living in Canada who were around my age. My mom suggested we connect, and before I knew it, I had the number of the oldest daughter, Ruth, and her Instagram handle. After mustering up some courage, we started chatting over WhatsApp, then moved on to long phone calls that lasted for hours. I was smitten with her smile and her beautiful personality.

When Ruth had to make a layover in London on her way to visit her parents in Nigeria, I knew I had to take the chance and meet her. I picked her up from the airport with my mom and a bouquet of flowers. We spent some time exploring London together, laughing and talking non-stop. And just like that, we became official – all thanks to a chance meeting in a village in Nigeria.

Fast forward to Christmas that same year, Ruth's family invited me to Barbados for a family vacation. During that trip, I felt at home with Ruth, free to be myself and express my feelings. That's when I knew she was the one for me.

As they say, the rest is history. Ruth and I continued our long-distance relationship. We visited each other whenever we could and talked on the phone daily. In July 2023, I asked her to be my wife, and she said yes. It's crazy to think that our love story started in a small Nigerian village and brought us halfway across the world to where we are today. But I wouldn't have it any other way. Ruth is my soulmate, and I'm grateful every day for that chance meeting that brought us together.

I was on a family group call with my mom and sister, chatting about this, and that, when Mom randomly mentioned she ran into a London guy during her Easter trip to the village. Apparently, we knew him as kids and hung out together, and Mom thought it'd be cool to reconnect now that we're all grown up.

But truth be told, I couldn't remember the guy and wasn't keen on making new friends. Mom begged me to be nice, follow him back on social media, and reply if he messaged me. Ugh, fine. So, I reluctantly agreed and hit accept when he followed me on Instagram.

But hold the phone! I was in for a surprise. Ike and I hit it off like a house on fire! Our first phone call lasted an epic four hours, and we've talked every day since then. Who knew a chance encounter in May 2022 could lead to such a fun and unexpected friendship?

Before we knew it, we explored London together in August 2022, and it was like something out of a movie! Fast forward a year later, and I said YES to Ike! I know it sounds cheesy, but it feels like I'm marrying my soulmate and best friend.

Ike is the kind of person who just gets me, and our connection feels natural and effortless. He challenges me to improve and is always there to lend an ear. And let me tell you, finding a person like that is a rare feat!

It's wild how life can take us down paths we never imagined, but meeting Ike has made me realize that sometimes it's worth taking a chance on someone new. Our connection was just meant to be, and I'm so grateful for that chance encounter that brought us together!