•Dr Moses Omole and his wife
Dr Moses Omole and his wife, Pastor Esther, speak about the beauty of love, the strength of commitment, and the faith that have kept their marriage thriving for over five decades, reports Sunday PUNCH.
Excerpts:
How do you feel having spent over five decades with your wife?
I feel fulfilled. Everything has worked out well. Being married to my wife for over 50 years has been a blessing, and we thank God for everything. We had the resources to take care of ourselves, take care of our children, and manage other needs. I am grateful to God for everything, in all aspects of life.
Where are you from?
I am from the Ilaje area of Ilesa, in Osun State, while my wife is from Ekiti State. My father was a farmer and had four wives. My mother was the second wife. We all lived together in the same house: father, wives, and children. We were raised as one big family. When we reached school age, we were separated and sent to different schools.
My father trained me with all he had, sending me to school. When I needed further education, God provided support, and I continued my studies, eventually reaching the university level.
I am the first son, and I took on the responsibility of supporting my siblings after my father passed away. Before his death, he had done his best to support us. Afterwards, I started earning a small income, which allowed me to support my siblings. I thank God that they are all well-established now and can support themselves without depending on me.
How old was your father when he passed?
He was about 65 years old
Can you share a bit about your career?
I came from a very poor background but later pursued education, completing secondary school and university. I attended Joseph Ayo Babalola University in Osun State and later pursued postgraduate studies abroad.
After leaving the university, I worked with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria in Ibadan, where I conducted research. Eventually, I moved to a private agricultural establishment. Later, I became a lecturer at Joseph Ayo Babalola University, where I taught for many years before retiring.
How many years did you spend teaching at the university?
I spent about 18 years teaching an agricultural course.
How did you meet your wife?
We grew up together. I first knew her when she was in primary school. We were innocent children at the time, not knowing we would end up together. She was my younger sister’s friend, and that was how I got to know her.
What attracted you to her, and how did you ask her to marry you?
She and my younger sister were friends, which brought us closer. Over time, we decided to marry each other. I naturally fell in love with her. We shared mutual trust and understanding, which made our relationship work smoothly. There was never any regret.
What year did you get married?
We got married in 1971.
The first few years of marriage often involve adjustments. What changes did you have to adapt to?
Honestly, I didn’t face any major challenge. We were both young when we started, and I was 29 years old. We understood each other well, adjusted easily, and there were no regrets.
How old are you now?
I am 83 years old
What life lessons have you learnt from childhood until now?
I have learnt many lessons, but I am especially thankful for the kindness of God, which I always recognise. I also appreciate how some people simply like me without even knowing me. Life hasn’t always been easy, but it has been manageable. People have been benevolent towards me, and I thank God for everything.
What were your roles in the home?
I was focused on research, which often occupied my time. My wife, being a natural teacher, was also busy with her responsibilities. We shared experiences and responsibilities at home, and we’ve never had any issues. She has always been very cooperative, and although we may not have been as wealthy as others, we’ve never struggled.
How old is your wife?
She is 80 years old
What has kept your marriage strong for over five decades, considering that many marriages struggle in the early years?
I believe it’s the mercy of God and our understanding of each other. We’ve never had serious arguments or disagreements. We’ve always trusted and supported each other.
How did you feel when you had your first child?
As a newly married man, it was a fantastic experience. My first child is a boy, and we were overjoyed. We love him dearly, as well as our other children.
How many children do you have?
We have five children
As a grandfather, how do you feel seeing your grandchildren?
My grandchildren are amazing, likeable children. Although they don’t live with me, I feel close to them, especially since we can talk regularly over the phone or see each other on video calls via WhatsApp.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
My greatest achievement is that everything has gone well with me. I haven’t faced any major challenge or pressure in my marriage, and I’m grateful for that. I owe much of this to my wife, who has made me comfortable and supported me throughout our life together. I have no regrets, not even for a single moment.
How do you think marriages today compare to when you got married?
In today’s world, many couples focus on their careers and personal ambitions, which can sometimes detract attention from their marriage. In our case, our home and happiness were always our priorities, and we focused on our children.
Do you think marriages today are more difficult than when you got married?
I believe the focus has shifted towards chasing wealth and status. Many couples don’t prioritise their marriage, which I think is key to long-lasting happiness. In our case, our home and the well-being of our children came first.
You have been blessed with children and grandchildren. What values do you instil in your family that have helped shape them today?
I believe the value of hard work is essential, and I thank God that they have all achieved their goals. They are well-educated in their respective disciplines. They live independently and are self-made, fulfilling their responsibilities effectively. They are progressing both academically and in their careers. I have no problems at all. None of them has ever had any issue in my house.
With the economic situation, what advice would you give newlyweds regarding having children?
I would advise them to have only as many children as they can take care of—children they can manage well. This way, their resources will be enough for both the children and themselves. They should focus on their careers and perform their work diligently.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of parenting for you?
The most rewarding aspect is that children make their parents happy. All our children have gone through education, and they all have good jobs now. Some are in the professional field, including education, and they continue to teach and enjoy their careers. Since they started getting married, we have not had any problems to solve for them. God has been wonderful, and we give Him all the glory.
What does love mean to you now compared to when you first got married?
There is no difference
For 54 years, how have you kept the spark alive in your marriage?
To me, it has always been the same since we started. Nothing has changed. We don’t quarrel or argue, and we continue to live happily, as God has provided for us.
In today’s world, many young people struggle with relationships and commitments. What advice would you give to young couples today?
Your relationship is first and foremost with your partner, whether your husband or wife. You should remain loyal and faithful to that relationship. I have never had any reason to quarrel or experience disagreement that led to separation— not even for a day. In fact, I always miss my wife whenever she’s out, and we are so connected that I always thank God for it.
What is the secret to a lasting and fulfilling marriage?
Trust your wife, and your wife should trust you. Also, don’t pursue things you cannot manage. Don’t chase after what you cannot easily achieve. Be satisfied with what you have, which is a gift from God. When you do this, you’ll have no problems. I’ve never had a quarrel.
What are your hopes and prayers for the years ahead in your marriage?
My prayers are for continued peace and happiness.
My husband’s humility endeared him to me – Pastor Omole
How would you describe your marriage of 54 years?
I would say all glory to God. It has been a time without regrets. We need to thank God for every day, every minute, every second; it has been God. Looking back at these 54 years—five whole decades—it’s clear that we cannot attribute our journey to our own wisdom or efforts. It can only be God. We see marriages collapsing all around us, but we can’t take credit for our own success. It has been God.
Both of you sound so healthy and sharp, even at this age. What’s the secret?
It’s just God. That’s all I can say. I gave my life to Jesus Christ at 19. One of the expatriates at St Margaret’s School, Ilesa, introduced me to the Scripture Union early in life. At a camp, I gave my life to Christ, and since then, God has led me.
Someone recently looked at me and said, ‘Wow, you’re 80?!’ I told him, ‘It’s not me. It’s not about what I eat.’ Yes, we eat simple food —beans, vegetables — but it is not about that. It’s about who I am in Christ. My faith has been my strength. It’s not my doing; it’s just God.
What would you say is your greatest achievement?
In education, I thank God for my father. Like my husband, I came from a humble background. We met in primary school—his younger sister was my friend. At that time, there was nothing romantic between us. We were so young. It wasn’t until much later that our relationship evolved.
When we started courting, he was abroad for seven years.
After I left school, I went to the University of Ibadan and later into teaching. When he returned and pursued his second degree at the University of Newcastle, I travelled with our first son to join him. I completed my postgraduate diploma in education before we returned to Nigeria.
Career-wise, I rose to the peak of my profession as the principal of St Margaret’s, the oldest school in Osun State and my alma mater.
My foundation, built by God, shaped every other aspect of my life, and that’s why I am where I am today. I went into nursing for a few months before transitioning into teaching. I had to leave nursing because I couldn’t bear seeing people suffer, cry, or go through pain. It just wasn’t in my nature. So, I left. I went back to teaching, and I loved it. Ever since then, I’ve been in teaching.
What attracted you to him and made you feel he was the one?
As I said, we knew each other from childhood, not as future spouses, but because his sister was my friend. Later, when he attended Ilesa Grammar School and I was at St Margaret’s, we would greet each other like siblings.
Much later, circumstances brought us together, and we started courting. By then, I knew his background, his home, and his values. He was humble, pleasant, gentle, and unassuming. He came from a decent family, and I had visited their home in Ere, where they lived.
At first, my Ekiti parents were hesitant. I attended St Martin’s Primary School in Ijebu-Ijesa before moving to St Margaret’s. Afterwards, I went to the University of Ibadan, completed my studies, and returned to teach at St Margaret’s.
When he proposed, my parents were reluctant because they wanted me to marry someone from Ekiti, not Ilesa. Since I was born in Ilesa, they wanted to maintain our Ekiti identity. But God had other plans. Eventually, my father not only accepted my husband but also became close friends with him.
Being a pastor and a wife, how do you create that balance?
We are both people of faith, so it wasn’t really difficult. I am a fully ordained pastor in the Redeemed Christian Church of God. My husband, though not a pastor, is the Baba Ijo in his church. He comes from an African Church background and currently serves as the Baba Ijo in his village church. So yes, he is a man of faith.
How has your faith played a role in your marriage?
Tremendously! Without our faith, I don’t know where we would be. As I said, marriage is not always a bed of roses. There were tough times, but with God, nothing is impossible. Through prayer and faith, we overcame challenges.
What should young women look out for before getting married?
These days, I’m amazed at how people approach marriage. In our time, parents were deeply involved. Today, that’s no longer the case, and it’s one of the major problems we see.
If they are people of faith, then God must be their first consultant. But many leave Him out, date carelessly, and start where they should end. Physical intimacy before marriage diminishes the excitement and purpose of the wedding night. As a matter of fact, my husband and I married as virgins.
How long did you date before getting married?
We dated for about eight or nine years. He was in Russia for seven years for his first degree while I was at the University of Ibadan. After he returned, we courted for about a year and a half before finally deciding to marry.
How did you keep the relationship strong?
We embraced effective communication. Despite the fact that there were no phones in those days, my husband is a great writer. He wrote to me consistently, and that kept the love alive.
