Shade Okoya talks about her marriage as she defines what style means to her. Last week, the Socialite married to Billionaire Businessman Razak Okoya celebrated her 20th wedding anniversary and 42nd Birthday on the same day.
She shares her joy and the peculiarities of being in a multiple spouse relationship with Allure Vanguard.
Read below….
There is grave poverty in Nigeria, which makes young girls do funny things. Are you protective of your husband getting into the clutches of desperate women looking for rich men? Do you have a niggling fear, that someday, one desperate – looking- for a- rich -man girl would upstage you? Or you are very confident of your stand, especially after 20 years, and going strong?
I have no fears at all; my marriage has stood the test of time, and I am not all afraid. It takes a lot to keep and maintain a home. I am very confident of holding on to my marriage, and I am a loving, caring, honest and hardworking wife. My love for my husband keeps growing stronger every second of the day. I receive the same affections in return from him.
In what ways do you renew yourself, so you do not become predictable, and thus always exciting?
I am a total package. I am a very devoted and loving wife. Everything I do or say comes as an inspiration from God.
They say marriage is an institution. Do you agree?
I agree that Marriage is an institution recognised, but only the loving and caring spouses and through blessings from God can hold it firm. I believe once you enter into a marriage, you should stay in it irrespective of all challenges.
An institution is a place of learning, what have you learnt and how do you apply what you have learnt?
It is a continuous learning process; one can only survive the marriage institution if determined plus, God’s special blessing.
What advice would give to different categories of young girls- the young girl, who is in her 20s and marriage is not on her mind?
The young girl who is in her late 20s, and does not have the sense to know she should be looking for Mr Right, instead of Mr Runs. They are desperately seeking any husband woman in her 30s and the newlyweds.
Prayer is everything- one has to be focused and also know what they need. Everything is achievable if one sets out to achieve it. Generally, one can make a partner Mr Right, and much more than the expectation from the lady.
What is your style type and how has your dress sense evolved?
Style to me is ‘comfort’. I have to be happy in whatever I wear or use.
Who are your go-to designer for glam and elegant look?
I won’t say I have a go-to designer. I love all the great designer names. A Designer -must most times are determined by season. I am comfortable with all proper names.
How much has your style changed since you were in your 20s and now in your 40s?
My style is more refined and mature.
What trend would you not wear?
Any trend that doesn’t give respect to my status.
Are you one of Karl Lagerfeld’s devotees? How do you feel now he has passed? Do you think the house of Chanel and other lines he has will be able to evolve with suitable styles now he is gone?
I am a big fan because he did so much for fashion. He is timeless, and you only get people to contribute their quota.
Have you achieved all you set out to make, or is there some more that you wish to conquer?
I thank God for my life; I believe once one is still living, one will always have things in life to achieve. I will rather say I am happy.
One last word for your husband. What would you want to tell him as you mark 20 years with him?
I will always love you, darling, till death do us part, which will be for many more years to come till infinity.