Power Couple, Razak And Shade Okoya Share Secrets To Their 25-Year Love Story In Advice To Singles Planning To Get Married

More than two decades ago, Razak and Shade Okoya embarked on a journey that would redefine their lives – a union that has blossomed into a powerful partnership in love and business.

Through changing times, theirs is a love story etched in unwavering commitment, respect, and a shared vision.

For Razak, the key to their twenty-five years marital journey lies in mutual understanding and a commitment to making things work.

“A marriage is a union that is meant to last a lifetime. One should understand that before they go into it. You must do your best to make it work.”

They are not only a couple in love but a couple in business. Razak, a billionaire industrialist, owner and founder of the Eleganza group of companies, with a market spanning Western Africa, finds a partner in Shade, the company’s managing director.

Shade credits her ability to manage the business effectively to her husband. She says:

“I have learned so many valuable lessons from my husband. The most valuable lesson I have learned from him is how to successfully run the business on a daily basis.”

In this interview with THISDAY Style magazine, the power couple who share four children together answers questions on love, their marriage journey, family, and the unique dynamic of running a business together.

Read excerpts from the interview:

SEE ALSO: Mom-Of-4, Sade Okoya Talks 20 Years In Marriage And Handling The Pressure Of Marrying A Much Older Man

On the staying power of their marriage:

Razak: A marriage is a union that is meant to last a lifetime. One should understand that before they go into it. You must do your best to make it work.

Shade: I give all the glory to Allah the Almighty for the grace to be married to my husband, and I’ve committed my marriage from the very beginning to His will. With God as the foundation, it has been good.

The importance of compromise and, above all, patience cannot be understated; every single day, patience must be put into practice. My husband has a broad range of experience, and in respect to this, I have learned not to be in a hurry to respond during any disagreements we have; rather, I listen carefully to be sure I properly understand his point.

This way, I find myself learning from him while recognising my own mistakes. A strong determination to succeed in my marriage has always been a priority for me, and patience and humility have seen me through to date.

I see my husband not just as my lover but as a friend and role model. I believe his love for me and his protection of me have also really helped our marriage.

Can you tell us what about him still endears you to him?

Shade: I have always loved the fact that he is a very intentional, tenacious, mature, and generous man. Up until now, everyone who knows my husband has said these qualities are true about him, and they are still very much there.

This is one of the major things I have loved and still love about him. He has also always been very caring and hardworking, always finding things to do to keep himself occupied.

ALSO SEE: Shade Okoya Advises Single Women As She Showers Encomiums On Her Husband

For 25 years, you have watched your wife immerse herself to fit into your lifestyle and grow into the woman she is today. Tell us what you are most proud of about her having gone through all she did

Razak: Shade has made me incredibly proud. She is very intelligent and is always eager to learn; she constantly sets new goals for herself and keeps doing all she can to meet those goals.

In this respect, she is very much like me. She reminds me of myself in my younger years when I couldn’t stop moving. However, when you work together, plan together, and strive together, the work keeps you moving and keeps your love going.