Okowa’s wife tasks couples on marriage
Dame Edith Okowa, wife of Delta state governor and founder of 05 Initiative, has stressed the need for couples to allow God’s blessing to manifest in their marriages by continually renewing their bond of love.
She stated this at the 2020 edition of Couples’ Forum, an annual fellowship, organised by 05 Initiative, with “God’s original plan for marriage” as the theme.
The fellowship designed to strengthen relationships among couples which held on Friday in Asaba, was broadcast live on Delta Broadcasting Service television and radio as well as social media platforms.
The governor’s wife explained that the home building programme was to commemorate World Day of the Family and stressed the need for couples to communicate often in their marriages.
She urged married persons to always study the bible to understand God’s original plan for instituting marriage.
According to Dame Okowa, the keys to a successful marriage include communication, love and trust among couples.
She stated that one of the benefits of the current lockdown in some states in the country occasioned by COVID-19 was the opportunity provided for families to bond.
The governor’s wife added that without a couple leaving their parents and clinging to one another, problems of interference would continue to be witnessed in most marriages.
Court declines to hear ex-parte application on Infectious Diseases Bill
She remarked that these days, couples spend much energy and resources to prepare for weddings, but never prepare for the marriage itself, and called for more counseling to would-be couples.
“We have been doing this every year, but this year’s programme is unique because of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.
“As the bible says, in every situation give thanks; this year’s edition is not holding in our usual venue where we usually have about 500 people listening.
“We are doing it here on live TV, radio and social media platforms because of the social-distancing protocol, but we are glad because this year, we are having more people listening to us than ever and we give God thanks for that.
“One of the things we learnt today, is that for you to have a successful marriage, you must leave your parents to cling to your partner because without leaving there cannot be any cleaving and once there is no bonding, the marriage cannot stand the test of time.
“Another learning point from today’s discussion is that both couples must learn to love, respect and appreciate one another for there to be a successful marriage.
“Men should not deal treacherously with the wives of their youth because if they do so their prayers will be hindered,” she stated.
