Kindly give us a brief background of yourself?
I’m Dr Israel Oyeniyi, popularly known as Praizmania. I am a music minister, radio and television host, event anchor, music producer, and an ordained reverend. I hail from Osun State, and am the first child in a family of six.
How long have you been married?
My marriage is now 23 years old.
How did you meet your wife?
I met my darling wife, Lydia Olasunkanmi in 1996, about 30 years ago. She joined my musical band through a friend in the Okokomaiko area of Lagos.
Did you have marriage in mind when you first met her?
Yes. The very first day I saw her, I knew she was going to be my wife. Everything about her attracted me, and I was deeply convinced.
How did she react when you proposed?
Naturally, women can be cautious. I expressed my intentions to her through a letter. She became embarrassed and stopped attending band rehearsals because she thought I wanted to make her another victim of promiscuity. However, she later returned, and we became friends. In 2003, we formally consummated our seven-year relationship in a blissful union.
What were her parents’ reactions to your proposal?
My wife was a young girl who escaped the brutality of her stepmother, having grown up in a polygamous home. She lived with her aunt in Amukoko, Lagos. I did not meet her parents until much later, but they eventually accepted me after realising I was serious and committed to a promising relationship with their daughter.
How many children do you have?
We are blessed with one beautiful and promising daughter by God’s grace.
In your years of marriage, what would you describe as your best moments together?
I can boldly say virtually every moment of our marriage has been memorable. We gist a lot, pray together, sing together on stage, and bond through hilarious jokes.
In fact, we make comedy out of almost everything, so there are never dull moments.
She gives me peace of mind 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 52 weeks in a year. Though she is an introvert, she is submissive, contented, positive, understanding, supportive, industrious, prayerful, spiritual, and God-fearing. I consider myself one of the luckiest men to have a rare woman like my wife.
What advice would you give younger couples who desire long-lasting marriages?
To me, having other desirable qualities in a spouse is not as important as being God-fearing. When you marry a God-fearing partner, you are already 80 per cent assured of having an enjoyable marriage rather than merely enduring it. Other qualities will naturally develop as you grow together.
What is your view on the rising rate of marriage breakups in Nigeria?
Many factors contribute to marriage breakups these days. I advise couples to marry someone who is truly their friend and who loves them for who they are. Don’t hide your past or status from your spouse. Be transparent in your relationship.
Communication is key. Talk about everything daily. Men should love their wives, while women should respect and honour their husbands. Men should also give attention to their wives by being responsible, emotionally available, psychologically supportive, sexually committed, and financially dependable.
Forgiveness is an indispensable pillar in marriage. Couples should be intentional about making their homes a heaven on earth.
It is also important for couples to support each other’s ambitions and dreams. This creates security, stability, and marital bliss.
No spouse should pursue growth in isolation, even if the financial means are available. Nothing brings fulfilment like seeing your partner support your dreams and vision.