Tomiwa and Mary’s love story is proof that when God writes it, time no fit scatter am. From a random glance at a camp meeting to breakup, long-distance wahala, reconnection, and finally marriage — they’ve been through it all.

Derin Adenihun from Street Church sat with them to hear how everything unfolded. Grab popcorn, because this love story sweet!

 

Q: Let’s start from the top. How did you two meet?

Tomiwa: We were at camp, sitting close to each other. I noticed this babe looking at me from time to time. But honestly, I didn’t pay too much attention. We came to camp to focus on God, not to find love. So when I noticed she was looking, I just minded my business. But throughout different sessions, I could see that her eyes still dey my side.

Mary: (laughs) True! We met at a camp meeting in Ilorin in 2014. I saw him first. Cool guy, well composed, with really nice hair. Me sef, I like guys with fine hair, so my eye just catch him. We were looking at each other back and forth, and I thought maybe he was interested too. Before we left camp, I just quietly slipped him my number on a piece of paper — hoping he would call.

 

Q: So, when she gave you her number, how did you feel?

Tomiwa: To be honest, it wasn’t a new thing for me. I had experienced that kind of thing back in secondary school, so it wasn’t shocking. I just knew there was interest from her side. But me, that time, I no ready for love matter. I was still young and just wanted to focus on my own lane.

 

Q: So from exchanging number to marriage, how did that journey happen?

Mary: Funny enough, I didn’t even have his number. I just gave him mine. After camp ended, I waited for his call — Sunday passed, Monday passed — nothing. By Tuesday night, when my mind don almost die, he finally called. I was so happy. From there, we started talking more, doing midnight calls. Through those calls, I saw that he was a calm person, he loved God, and honestly, I just fell for him small small. It wasn’t rush rush — the consistent talking made it grow.

Tomiwa: Yeah, the answer na consistency. Even when she changed numbers, somehow we still kept talking. Calls, late night gists — all of that kept the connection alive.

 

Q: The day he asked you out officially — how did it go?

Mary: (laughs) Our love story no straight o. We even broke up at one point. I got tired of being the one always putting in effort. Long distance wasn’t easy. If I didn’t call, we wouldn’t talk. I just told myself, “Abeg, I can’t be dragging someone to love me.” So I broke it off. But even after breaking up, we still kept casual communication. Then around 2018, he started calling me consistently again. The funny part? At that time, I was already in another relationship. (laughs)

 

Q: Tomiwa, why were you casual about the relationship at the beginning?

Tomiwa: That time, I was in 400 Level and she was in her final year too. I was under pressure to graduate well. My brother had advised me not to let any relationship stress distract me from school. So when she was asking for commitment, I just told her straight — give me time. But she no really understand. Also, distance was an issue. The babes around me that time were physically close, so it was easier to vibe. That whole combination made me act casual towards her.

 

Q: So at what point did you realize you needed her back?

Tomiwa: It was when I realized that all those girls around me didn’t really have what I was looking for. They no reach her level abeg.

 

Q: How did the two of you reconnect again?

Tomiwa: After school, I went for NYSC in Zamfara. I stayed there for almost two years. During that time, I visited her in Niger State. And guess what? Mary left her state twice just to visit me all the way in Zamfara! Omo, that one touch me well. It was from there we started finding our way back to each other.

 

Q: Was she still in another relationship when you reconnected?

Tomiwa: No, she had broken up about a month before I went to visit her.

Mary: Yeah, by the time I went to see him in Zamfara, we were already in a serious relationship.

 

Q: What would you say is the best part of your relationship and marriage now?

Tomiwa: For me, it’s how we accept each other’s flaws. No forming, no pretending. Plus, that consistency and push we both had made everything work out. Of course, na God join hand inside too.

Mary: For me, it’s the conviction. From day one, I felt peace about him. And nine years later, he’s still the same God-loving, intentional man I fell in love with. That’s the sweetest part for me.

 

Q: During those long-distance years, what were the challenges you faced and how did you overcome them?

Mary: Honestly, there were not that many challenges because we always communicated. We would talk for hours sometimes — 2, 3 hours just talking. It bridged the gap for us. The only challenge was really just the distance.

Tomiwa: I agree 100%. Distance na the main wahala. But communication made it easier.

 

Q: Did you ever have any serious fights?

Tomiwa: (laughs) Ah yes o. There was a time she wanted me to come and meet her parents. Me, I wasn’t ready for that kind of big commitment yet. So I kept dodging, lying small small, giving different excuses. She noticed and started behaving somehow, but we sorted it eventually.

Mary: (laughs) Yes, I told him straight — if you’re serious, come and meet my parents. No time for story. It took almost a year of me chasing him before he finally showed up in 2019. That’s when I knew he was serious.

 

Q: During the time you both were in other relationships, were you still talking?

Mary: Yeah, we still kept in touch casually. Even though I was dating someone else, deep down, I knew that one wasn’t my own. So when Tomiwa came back and the conversations became more intentional again, it wasn’t hard to move on from the other person. Deep down, I just knew this was God’s plan.

Tomiwa: Same for me. We never really lost connection, and somehow, God just pieced everything together again.

 

Any final words for people believing for their own love story?

Mary: Don’t settle. If it’s God writing the script, e go happen at the right time.

Tomiwa: Be patient. Stay consistent. And trust God’s timing — it’s always perfect.