Love Has Always Been Transactional - Omawumi

Singer Omawumi has pushed back against claims that modern relationships are more transactional than past ones, arguing that the nature of exchange has simply shifted over time.

Speaking on a Pulse podcast, the singer said women have always expected gestures from partners, but the form of those gestures has changed.

She contrasted secondary school and university-era courtship, marked by simple acts like buying ice cream and popcorn, with present-day expectations such as iPhones.

Omawumi noted that the term “transactional” is often misunderstood.

“I disagree because we women have had long throat since the beginning of time, you know, but our transactional was different because if it was all those like secondary school to university days of holding hands or crushing on a girl or a boy, you know, you just stay there, buy them ice cream and popcorn. But now, it’s an iPhone”, she said.

She said some form of exchange has always existed in relationships and described mutual effort as a normal component of dating.

She added that when a partner gives her gifts, she makes a conscious effort to match that energy.

“Some sort of transaction has always existed. Therefore, the word “transactional” has a lot of power when used. If I’m dating a man who gives me presents, I always strive to equal that energy,” she added.

The singer also addressed public perception of women in relationships, stating that women are frequently viewed as only receiving while their contributions go unnoticed.

She said some men pursue what she called “shiny objects,” and often go overboard in the process.

“However, the majority of people don’t think that women have the same level of energy. They just see the women collecting. So men, they go overboard sometimes, just especially because some men tend to like shiny objects. And shiny objects, not the only person they like. So everybody is struggling to get that shiny object.”

Omawumi concluded by identifying consistency as a major problem in modern relationships.

She said effort tends to fade once initial attraction is secured, stressing that partners should maintain the same energy they showed at the start.

“And once you’ve finished obtaining it, you’ll need to cut back on all the paparazzi you were doing earlier. No, no. You must maintain your energy”.

  

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Comedian Okey Bakassi Places N5 Million Reward For The Recovery Of Phones Stolen At Ikoyi

Nigerian comedian Okey Bakassi has announced a N5 million reward for information that could lead to the recovery of eight mobile phones stolen during a private football game in Ikoyi.

In a video posted on Instagram on Thursday, Bakassi disclosed that the incident occurred during the group’s regular Wednesday evening session on April 15, 2026.

He explained that an unidentified individual joined the game and was permitted to participate out of goodwill.

According to him, the suspect played briefly before claiming to be injured and moving to the sidelines. While the match continued, the individual allegedly seized the opportunity to steal eight phones belonging to players and fled the venue.

Bakassi stated that the stolen devices belong to businessmen whose daily operations depend heavily on their phones, heightening the urgency of recovery.

He cautioned potential buyers to be wary, noting that the suspect might attempt to dispose of the devices quickly at discounted prices.

The comedian added that the police have been informed and are making efforts to track down the suspect, although he declined to disclose specific operational details.

He also issued a 24-hour ultimatum for the return of the stolen phones to the security post at the venue, warning that failure to comply would result in intensified efforts to apprehend the suspect.

“If you’re the one who came out this evening to play with us and you feel that the way to pay us back is to cart away phones and vanish, we will find you. It will only take time. In your best interest, you have the next 24 hours to return those phones back to the security post where you took them from,” he said.

The comedian appealed to the public for assistance, promising N5 million to anyone who can trace any of the stolen devices.

“For everyone else who knows how to track phones, contact me in my DM. There’s a five million naira waiting for whoever can track any one of those phones,” he added.

He advised second-hand phone buyers to verify sellers’ identification to avoid purchasing stolen items.

  

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Men Should Dump Marriages Where They Are Not Respected - Yul Edochie

Actor Yul Edochie has advised men to walk away from marriages or relationships where they are not respected.

In a post made on X, Edochie stated that respect for men in marriage is non-negotiable and should not be compromised.

He discouraged men from tolerating what he described as ‘nonsense’ in the name of marriage or a relationship.

The actor said men facing disrespect from their wives or girlfriends should end the relationship immediately and find partners who treat them with respect.

“Men stop tolerating nonsense in the name of marriage or relationship. If your wife or girlfriend doesn’t respect you, dump her immediately and get someone who respects you”, he said.

Yul Edochie is in a public, contentious polygamous situation. He is actively living with his second wife, Judy Austin, with whom he has children, while his first wife, May Edochie, is separated from him and has filed for divorce, citing adultery and refusing to accept the polygamous marriage. 

 Yul and Judy frequently appear together in social media videos and have continued their relationship despite online rumors of, or public demand for, a breakup. Recent reports suggest they have multiple children together.

The situation remains highly volatile, with reports of ultimatums and public warnings between Yul and May.

The actor has faced extensive social media backlash for his public proclamations about his second wife and his advice regarding marriage, which many contrast with his split from May. It is believed in some quarters that his recent admonition for men to leave relationships where they are not respected, is an attempt to correct the narrative. 

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I Once Dated A Bus Driver - Otedola's Daughter, DJ Cuppy

Disc jockey Florence Otedola, popularly known as DJ Cuppy, has said she could date anyone, revealing that she once dated a bus driver. She however says she currently prefers dating working-class men who are not active on social media.

Speaking on The ZEZE Millz Show, the entertainer said she has dated men from different backgrounds but now favors partners with 9-to-5 jobs and a low public profile.

She added that she finds such men through dating applications.

She said, “I’ve dated all kinds of men—well, not every single kind, but a lot of different types. What I find is working for me right now is the 9-to-5, no social media, super-like-doesn’t-care type. I find them on apps”.

DJ Cuppy disclosed that she is subscribed to exclusive platforms including Raya and The League, stating that membership on The League costs £400.

“I’m on Raya, but I’m also on something called “The League” as well. But I love—thing is, I wanted to do like… oh no. “The League” is definitely £400 to join, I can’t lie. Yeah”, she added.

The 33-year-old, who is the daughter of billionaire businessman Femi Otedola, emphasised the importance of being open-minded when dating.

She noted that she has gone on dates with a bus driver, a man who lived with his mother, a model, and a footballer.

She described dating as an opportunity to converse and understand people.

She added, “You have to be open-minded! This is what I’m saying. Zeze, you have to be open-minded. I’ve dated a bus driver… well, okay, let me not say ‘dated,’ I’ve gone on a date with a bus driver. And there’s nothing wrong with that! No.”

“I’ve literally gone on a date with this annoying guy that lives with his mom, I’ve gone on a date with a model, I’ve been on a date with a footballer… so many! With dating, you have to be open-minded. I actually enjoy dating. I feel like we’re on a date; it’s talking and getting to know each other,” she concluded.

  

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Twin Brothers Jailed 14 Years For Armed Robbery

    Justice Olubunmi Abike-Fadipe of the Ikeja Special Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Wednesday sentenced four men to 14 years imprisonment each for armed robbery, following a plea bargain agreement.

Amongst the convicts are two twin brothers a 34-year-old driver, Taiwo Ojomo, 34-year-old security guard, and Kehinde Ojomo.

The other convicts are 34-year-old rewire, Emmanuel Bamidele (a.k.a. “DPO”); and 27-year-old cobbler, Peter Samuel (a.k.a. “Mogaji”).

They were sentenced by Justice  Abike-Fadipe after they admitted guilt to amended two-count charges bordering on conspiracy and armed robbery.

The Prosecution told the court that the convicts while armed with guns, robbed one Sodiq Abiodun Ezekiel of Android phone, iPhone, ATM card, the sum of N15,000 and a blue-coloured 2005 Toyota Sienna with registration number LSR 771 GG.”

The court was told that the incident occurred on June 5, 2020, at about 23:30, at Oshodi Bridge, Lagos, when the convicts boarded a blue 2005 Toyota Sienna with registration number LSR 771 GG, driven by Sadiq Abiodun Ezekiel.

According to the prosecution, the men pretended to be stranded and requested a ride, but after entering the vehicle, they allegedly pulled out a gun and attacked the driver.

They were said to have dragged him to the back seat, beaten him, and robbed him of an Android phone, an iPhone, ATM card, and N15,000 in cash before dispossessing him of his vehicle.

The prosecution said the stolen vehicle was later recovered the same day at Ikeja Shopping Mall and returned to the victim.

It was further revealed that during inspection of the recovered vehicle, the complainant discovered a double-barrelled locally made pistol with four cartridges, which he immediately handed over to the police.

The convicts were initially arraigned in 2020 and pleaded not guilty.

However, they later changed their plea following an amended charge filed on April 14, 2026, which reflected a plea bargain agreement reducing the punishment exposure from 21 years to 14 years imprisonment.

Justice Abike-Fadipe confirmed that the convicts entered the agreement voluntarily.

“The court is satisfied that the defendants understood the terms of the plea bargain and entered into it without coercion,” she said.

State counsel, Director J.A. Ogunode, urged the court to adopt the plea bargain terms and sentence the convicts accordingly.

However, the judge noted that the court was not strictly bound by the terms of a plea bargain agreement.

“The court retains the discretion to ensure that sentences imposed meet the ends of justice,” Justice Abike-Fadipe held.

She thereafter sentenced each of the four men to 14 years imprisonment.

She ordered that the sentence shall take effect from the date they were first remanded in custody at the correctional facility.

  

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Irede Foundation Expands Scope Of Operation To Include More Disability Clusters

The Irede Foundation has expanded its disability inclusion outreach in Lagos, reaching more than 1,000 residents through an annual programme that combines

awareness advocacy, fundraising and direct support for people living with disabilities.

The initiative, held in Lagos, brought together volunteers, supporters and beneficiaries who contributed personal resources to support empowerment efforts

for persons with disabilities. The programme also featured a 32-kilometre awareness walk aimed at drawing attention to mobility challenges, social exclusion

and access gaps affecting the disability community.

The outreach forms part of the foundation’s broader push to improve access to prosthetic limbs and promote inclusion across education, mobility and economic

participation.

Speaking at the event, the foundation’s Founder and Chief Executive of the foundation, Crystal Chigbu, said the organisation’s work now extends beyond

Nigeria, with operations across all 36 states and growing international footprints in countries including Ghana, Germany, Canada and Namibia.

She said the initiative, themed “No Limits, Just Motion”, was focused on promoting access to transportation, education and information for people living

with disabilities, while encouraging them to demonstrate their abilities. As part of this year’s programme, more than 200 children are expected to receive

prosthetic limbs.

Chigbu added that the foundation is increasingly deploying 3D-printed prosthetic limbs, following successful pilot runs over the past six months. The technology

is expected to account for more than half of the limbs distributed this year, a move she said would accelerate delivery and expand access for both children

and adults.

Beyond amputees, she noted that the foundation’s interventions now cover a broader spectrum of disability groups, including people with albinism, the deaf,

the visually impaired and others requiring mobility and social support.

Government officials present at the event reiterated Lagos State’s commitment to inclusive development. Commissioner for Youth and Social Development,

Mobolaji Ogunlende, described the outreach as a critical platform for advocacy and collaboration, aligning with the state government’s pledge to ensure

that no resident is left behind.

He said the state, through the Lagos State Office for Disability Affairs, continues to coordinate programmes targeted at people living with disabilities

while calling for stronger partnerships with private organisations and civil society groups.

According to him, while government support remains essential, collaboration is key to scaling impact, noting that assistance could range from financial

backing to policy support and access to infrastructure that enables organisations to expand their reach.

Also speaking, a member of the foundation’s board of trustees, Folake Okunubi, said the outreach was designed not only to raise funds but also to challenge

societal perceptions about disability.

She stressed the need for inclusive infrastructure, education and social systems, noting that many children with limb loss face stigma and barriers to

schooling, often resulting in isolation. Creating an enabling environment, she said, would allow beneficiaries described by the foundation as “champions”

to fully participate in society and access economic opportunities.

One of the beneficiaries, Michael Alan, a 14-year-old participant in the walk, said the programme had helped raise awareness and demonstrate that people

living with disabilities can perform at the same level as others.

He said the initiative had not only provided support but also challenged perceptions, adding that increased awareness and sustained empowerment programmes

would enable more children with disabilities to live independently and contribute meaningfully to society.

  

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How Suspected Cultists Killed Ikorodu Monarch's Teenage Son

A teenager identified simply as Quadri has been beaten to death by suspected cultists in the Itunmeko area of Ikorodu, Lagos State.

It was gathered from sources in the community on Tuesday that the incident occurred on Saturday.

According to sources, the violence erupted after a disagreement between some youths, believed to be suspected cultists, in the community.

The deceased, who was also the son of the Alashe of Itunmoja in Ikorodu, was reportedly called from his residence to the scene of the dispute to intervene.

A resident, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the nature of the incident, said the situation escalated quickly and resulted in a violent attack on the victim and one of his friends.

“That night, there was an issue between Quadri’s friends and some boys in the area. The moment it degenerated into a confrontation, one of Quadri’s friends called him to inform him of what was going on.

“So Quadri went there to intervene, but the issue further escalated, and the boys descended on him and beat him until he became almost unresponsive,” the resident said.

A police source, who also requested anonymity due to a lack of authorisation to speak on the incident, said Quadri was left at the scene until some residents rushed him to the hospital for medical attention.

“He was attended to when taken to the hospital, but later died due to the severity of the injuries he sustained during the attack,” the source disclosed.

Meanwhile, an anti-cultism platform, Naija Confra, in a post on Monday, stated that the area was dominated by Eiye cultists, adding that Quadri was not a member.

“Yesterday, Naija Confra reported an incident in Ikorodu, Lagos State, where the son of a traditional ruler was killed.

“The incident occurred around midnight on Saturday in Itunmeko, Ikorodu, an area dominated by Eiye.

“The attackers targeted some young boys, including a boy named Quadri, who was the son of the Alashe of Itunmoja in Ikorodu.

“Quadri was described as a rugged street boy who was also a Yahoo boy and had many Eiye friends, but he was not a cultist,” the platform wrote.

It further noted that Quadri’s friend, identified simply as Adio, was also beaten during the attack but survived.

“Quadri and another friend named Adio, alias Ogbara, were seriously beaten. Quadri was rushed to the hospital, where he later died, while Adio was said to have survived,” it stated.

Although the police have yet to officially respond to the incident, Naija Confra revealed that some suspects had been arrested in connection with it.

When contacted on Tuesday, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, told the Punch that she was not aware of the incident and promised to revert.

However, she had yet to do so as of the time this report was filed.

  

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Ikeja Court Sentences Man To Life Imprisonment For Sexually Assaulting A Six-Month Old Baby

Justice Rahman Oshodi of the Ikeja Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Court on Monday convicted and sentenced a man, Victor Dickson, to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting his neighbour’s six-month-old baby.

While delivering judgement, Justice Oshodi held that the prosecution proved the charge of sexual assault by penetration beyond reasonable doubt.

The judge said the circumstantial evidence presented before the court was compelling and clearly pointed to the convict’s guilt, noting that Dickson’s attempts to distance himself from the crime were unconvincing.

Oshodi observed that the convict lacked credibility, as his testimony in court contradicted his earlier statement to the police.

“In your extra-judicial statement, you admitted carrying the child but denied penetrating her. However, in your oral testimony before this court, you denied ever carrying the child and instead alleged that the child’s mother fabricated the accusation because you rejected her sexual advances,” the judge said.

He added that the convict showed no remorse and chose instead to fabricate allegations against the child’s mother.

The judge who held that the victim was extremely vulnerable, recounted how the child’s mother testified that Dickson took the naked baby from her potty while she was outside washing clothes, carried her into his room, shut the door, and assaulted her by inserting his finger in her vagina.

He said, “The victim in this case is an infant of six months old, among the most defenceless human beings in existence, and her mother testified before this court how you carried her naked child from her potty while she was washing clothes outside.”

“You betrayed the trust reposed in you. The child cried throughout but could not speak or call for help,” the judge said.

The court stressed the need to protect society and deter similar crimes, describing the act as “animalistic”.

“I hereby sentence you, Victor Dickson, to life imprisonment,” Oshodi ruled, adding that the convict would serve the term at a maximum-security custodial centre.

The court also ordered that Dickson be registered as a sex offender under Sections 33 and 38 of the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency Law, 2021.

When the convict was arraigned on June 20, 2022, he pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him by the Lagos state government.

The court ordered that he should be remanded in a correctional centre until the commencement of trial.

  

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Lagos Police Command Dismisses Threats Of Impending Cult Clash Around Surulere Axis As Mere Rumours

The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed widespread rumours of an impending cult clash in parts of Lagos, describing the claims as false and urging residents to remain calm.

In a statement issued on Monday, Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, Abimbola Adebisi, said the command had taken proactive steps to prevent any breakdown of law and order in areas mentioned in the viral message.

Adebisi said the alert had referenced locations including Shitta, Akerele, Itire/Aguda and the Ishaga area, all located at the Surulere axis, allegedly in connection with a retaliatory attack.

“The Command wishes to categorically state that it has taken proactive and decisive measures to forestall any breakdown of law and order in the affected areas and beyond,” she said.

According to the police, personnel and operational assets were immediately deployed to the identified locations and surrounding communities following the initial report.

The Commissioner of Police, Tijani Fatai, also ordered intensified security measures across the areas.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed intensified patrols, strategic positioning of officers, and increased police visibility across the identified flashpoints to ensure the safety of lives and property,” the statement said.

The command maintained that the affected areas are secure, with adequate security presence to deter unlawful activities.

Reassuring residents, the police said there was no cause for alarm.

“Residents are encouraged to go about their lawful duties without fear or apprehension, as the Police and other security agencies remain fully on ground and committed to maintaining peace and order,” the statement read.

The command also cautioned against the spread of unverified information capable of causing panic, urging the public to rely on official sources for updates.

Residents were advised to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to security agencies through designated emergency lines.

  

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How Churches Can Achieve Inclusion Of Persons With Disabilities In Their Activities - Pastor Arowosegbe

He is blind but he is a pastor; and not just any pastor but the senior pastor of a zonal headquarters of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), under Lagos Province 69. The story of Pastor Adegoke Lawrence Arowosegbe, the shepherd in charge of RCCG Light of God Zona Headquarters, is proof to the Bible’s assertion that, while men look at the outer appearance, God looks inwards. It’s also a testament to the fact that God can use anyone to expand his kingdom, irrespective of their situation or condition.

In this interview with Lagos Today Extra!, Pastor Arowosegbe speaks on issues bothering the church and persons with disabilities and other related issues. It’s a must read for all Christians and all persons with disabilities as both parties have one or two lessons to learn.

 

How does it feel being the visually impaired senior pastor of an RCCG zonal headquarters church?

How does it feel? Well, it has its own challenges. The society where we dwell has very little or no regards for persons with disabilities, especially those with visual impairment. So, there has been one or two challenges. However, since it is the work of God, God has always proven himself and we are able to handle most of the situations that come our way, at least as far as church is concerned.

How do the members of your church respond to you, especially during healing ministrations? Do they say “Pastor heal yourself first before you think of healing us”?

We have taught the people, through the Word of God, that it's God who does the healing, not the man of God. And he does it in whichever way and manner he wants. Because one is visually impaired does not mean that God cannot propagate his kingdom through that person. Our God can do anything through anybody. He does his things the way he wants it and when he wants it. For instance, in the book of Daniel chapter 1, verse 21, the Bible tells us that God controls times and seasons. And so, if we have that understanding, that he controls times and seasons, we can also understand that he does things whenever  and in whatever way he likes. That the pastor is visually impaired is not a factor here because  the people can see the work of God manifesting in him. In view of this, they cannot deny the power of God operating through him despite the visual impairment.

At what point in your life did you give your life to Christ, was it before or after the impairment?

The truth of the matter is that I started having visual challenges right from childhood. The visual impairment did not come up in the course of church appointment. I did all my education as a blind student in the blind school. So, at what point did I give my life to God? I gave my life to Christ in 1998; to be specific, the last Sunday of January 1998. Prior to that time, I was just like the regular boy in the neighbourhood: going to different parties, carrying girls and all the rest of it. But at the point when we needed to surrender to God, we surrendered. Old things passed away and all things became new in the new life in Christ.

Looking at inclusivity in the church, especially in the Nigerian setting, do you think we are there yet or more still needs to be done?

More still needs to be done. We are Far from there, far from being there. Very, very far. I'm not too sure at what level we are in this country in terms of inclusion of persons with disabilities in church activities. If I say that we have not even started, it would be like one is not optimistic even though that is the present reality as far as Nigerian churches are concerned. So I will say that we have started but we are not there yet. Maybe with time, we will gradually build it up. For example, many churches, whether Redeemed or other denominations, don't have facilities that can really, really accommodate persons with disabilities. They don't have them. If we look at accessibility as a case study, you will agree with me that we are not there yet. But we do hope that with some of us now getting involved and doing advocacy, Maybe the church will get to know and do the needful to achieve inclusion of persons with disabilities in its activities.

Can you be more specific about these accessibility facilities? We know about ramps. Are there other facilities that the church needs to put in place to achieve this inclusivity for PWDs?

The facilities are different in nature. You talk about ramps, right? Ramps are essential modifications that provide significant benefits to wheelchair users by improving accessibility, safety, and independence. But even if you look at the staircase, where PWDs that are not on wheelchairs walk on, a lot of those steps cause more harm than good to persons with visual impairment. I was supposed to minister on a particular Order of Reading in a particular church. But to climb to the altar was a big challenge. The staircases in most churches are in zigzag form and as a blind person, you are sometimes confused whether to go to the left or to the right. It might be accommodating to persons with sight; but for the visually impaired, that's a big challenge. So, to access the church environment itself, A lot of work needs to be done, a lot of advocacy needs to be made.

In the area of Bible literature, do you also look in the direction of brailing Bibles, Sunday school manuals and other literatures so that blind persons can actively participate in church activities?

Fortunately for us, if I take the Bible as a case study, I have a Bible here which is braille. And to a very good extent, it was not supplied by the church. I have the complete Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, on braille and I ordered all of them from abroad. But in fairness to the Nigerian Bible Society, they have great Bibles there. And I think to a very good extent, they give them out free to those who approach them. And churches should find a way of partnering with them. For other literatures, churches are gradually coming up. I remember what happened with the Redeemed Sunday School manual. I wrote to the church to let them know that We have some visually impaired people in the church and these people need to read the Sunday School manual just like other members of the church. And they have taken that as a responsibility. So, as a case study that I know, the RCCG  produces Sunday school manual in Braille for the benefit of visually impaired people amongst us. and I think other denominations should follow suit.

What advice would you give to some men of God who keep their distance from persons with disabilities?

If I refer back to my message on love preached somewhere last month, we say love accommodates. If we are using love as a parameter in church, then pastors have no reason to distance themselves from people with disabilities. We must understand that even in disability, there is ability. If we have that understanding, we should give everybody a platform, just to test drive. I did not become a pastor overnight. Something happened. Far back in Ebute Meta, between 2004 and 2005, the church I was attending, the pastor saw me and spotted me out. Before then, I was the one writing for the "Excellent Men", a group in the church. I was their secretary. And I was always the one writing the minutes of our meetings. I was also the one writing the Pastor's Desk, a column on the church bulletin. I was carrying out these two assignments simultaneously. And one day, the pastor said, "Arowosegbe,  please prepare to minister for 20 minutes next week Sunday". That was the first time I was being given a platform to minister the Word of God to the congregation. So, pastors have no reason not to allow persons with disabilities to work in the church.

That’s one part of the conversation. Another part of it is that persons with disabilities must also be able to prove themselves. Recall that I said I was writing the church bulletin at the Pastor's Desk, the pastor's corner on the church bulletin. That was what the pastor was supposed to do but I was the one doing it. And I was also the secretary to the Men's group then. So, people with disabilities must be able to convince our society that they can really do what people think they cannot do on account of their disabilities status. Without this, the society, both inside and outside of the church environment, will see you as not able to do those things. You should be able to prove to them by doing those things, and not just doing, you should be able to go the extra mile. That’s what I always do and it has been working for me.

You are married to a sighted wife. How did that happened? How did she fall in love with you despite your visual impairment?

I was working in an oil company and she, at that time, was working with Ikeja Hotels. Ikeja Hotels happened to be the caterer supplying our lunch in the office. And so she, being one of their staff, I got to meet her on one occasion because she was the one that attended to me at the restaurant. But beyond the food menu, beyond the food level, when I was losing my sight rapidly,  connecting with the staff bus was becoming a challenge. So she offered to be helping me to navigate to the staff bus. This was also made possible because she, too, wanted to join the staff bus to enjoy the facility of transportation. She would come and pick me from my office and we would walk together to the staff bus. So, it all started with the staff bus, not even with the restaurant. From there, we started talking. She saw me as a big brother at the beginning. I must say that she had somebody she was dating then and she would come to me for advice about one or two things. And I always gave her my candid, unbiased advice. Yes, unbiased because the idea, at first,  was not to go into a relationship with her; but along the line, we began to develop interest in each other. And something happened that For whatever reason, she fell out of the relationship with the brother. So I saw that as an opportunity to win her heart. That's how we got to meet and we started courting and it worked out to be a marriage at the end.

Some blind persons married to sighted spouses have tales of woes about their in-laws in terms of verbal and psychological abuse. What has been the relationship between you and your in-laws, is it cordial?

Fortunately for me, that seemed to be working out well, to the glory of God. Her mother knew me very well even before I met her. Her mother also worked where I was working. She’s late now. But we both worked in the office. I didn't know her then but she said she knew me. As a matter of fact, she was always the one telling everyone about "Ah, one boy in our office. He's a special fellow. He's a genius." And because of that, maybe because the mother knew me very well and had decided to market me to her family, I became very safe with the entire family. When she was alive, she was closer to me than to her daughter. We were so close that She could confide in me rather than with her daughter. But of course, I am aware of the situations in-laws of persons with disabilities treat them horribly and that should be discouraged. But I think it all depends on how you carry yourself as a PWD. If you present yourself as a loving, caring spouse who is able to meet with the demands of a matrimonial home, whether as the husband or the wife, there is every possibility that your in-laws will treat you well. We must be able to convince them beyond the ordinary. I had an experience when I was doing my Mass Communications program at Laspotech, which has now become a university. A lady, who was being proposed to by a visually impaired man, told me that if I was the one proposing, she would accept the proposal but that she could not accept it from this other fellow because he fell short of her expectation. The point I'm making is that we must be able to prove to the society that we are able. We must bring ourselves out of This beggarly attitude which has made the society to believe that the blind person can do nothing but to beg.

  

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