Uchenna And Judith Igwe: Celebrating 14 Years Of Intentional Union.

In recent times, esteemed cultural values, especially the institution of marriage, have been vigorously scorned by liberals. The world has been inundated by statements which portray marriage as a scam. Like Oscar Wilde said, "Critics are those who have failed in their attempts to become artists". A study of the entire constituency of those who disparage the institution of marriage and dismiss it with the slogan, "Marriage is scam", show that majority of them are individuals who have either failed in marriage or are not marriable. Besides these modern naysayers lie a vast majority of those who believe in the institution of marriage, especially given its crucial roles in providing therapeutic companionship, cradle for the development of humanity as well as serving as the foundation of the society.

Among the billions of positive-minded human population who believe in the institution of marriage are the pair of the wife of Ebonyi State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mrs Judith Chinenye Igwe and her spouse, Hon. Uchenna Stephen Igwe, JP. Years back, Uche and Chinenye were students in the Accountancy Department of Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki. By then, unassuming Chinenye was a daughter of the highest ranking superior police officer from Abakaliki or Unwuekumenyi, AIG Opoke (Rtd) while Uche was an enterprising son of a politician who as a student ran a business centre within the campus. Their first encounter as narrated by Mrs Judith Igwe was more divine than human.

Hear Mrs. Igwe: "My first encounter with my husband was in EBSU when I went to photocopy some documents in his business centre. That was the first time we were actually meeting, and he called my attention and told me that I would be his wife." This encounter was so remarkable because as at the time that young Igwe was making that statement, he did not know the background of Chinenye; neither did Chinenye know the background of the man who was 'threatening' to marry her. One may safely say that theirs was "Love at first sight"! By April 30, 2011, Judith and Stephen exchanged their marital vows on the alter of God and before the people of God.

For 14 solid years, Mr. Uchenna and Mrs Chinenye have intentionally lived together as husband and wife recognizing their imperfections but working hard on their weaknesses by taking corrections, being patient and forgiving each other.

Mrs Judith Igwe has some thought-provoking words on successful marriage. According to Mrs Igwe, "Nobody is not marriable. Partners have to devise the means to sustain their unions or relationships. Most times, its difficult when Christ is not the foundation of marriage.

"Those having challenges in their marriages should note that there is no perfect marriage under the sun. They should be patient, learn to forgive and embrace Jesus Christ because it is in Christ that one finds everything including joy, peace and it in Jesus Christ that one can find help to overlook the imperfections in marriage and focus on the better things."

Mrs Judith Chinenye Igwe who could literally be called a "Senior Advocate of Marriage" posits that, "The good side of marriage far outweighs the challenging side."

She concluded with a prayer for God's graces which, in her words, "supersedes every other thing" to be upon her home and marriage. Mrs Igwe further asked God to grant her and her husband the heart to always forgive even in advance; the wisdom to know what is right; and the courage to always do what is right."

The ever busy Ebonyi commissioner and husband of Mrs Judith Igwe, Hon Uchenna Stephen Igwe had just a few words to add: "I thank God for giving me a good wife and a happy home. My marriage for 14 years has been good. I will continue to praise God for the family I have and I congratulate Judith Chinenye Igwe for making my home happy and enjoyable."

Judith's union with Uchenna is fourteen years today has been blessed with joy, progress and five promising children including a set of twin boys. As they celebrate today, it behoves people of goodwill to give them hearty cheers and pray for God's continued presence in their home.