By Olivia Obijiaku
Against the backdrop of increasing detachment from families of origin at the point of marriage, an Assistant Director of Nursing with National Hospital Abuja, Mrs. Mary Nwankwo kicked against cutting off one’s family in a bid to start a new family even as she guided young couples on how to wither the storms in marriage. She made this known during an interview with stadt.news after the wedding reception of her niece, former Ms Melvin Ochonia Illah which took place at Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria on Saturday, 4th February 2023.
Though Dr (Mrs.) Rose Illah’s sister revealed that, “We were all supportive. From time to time, we kept encouraging and praying for them,” she also encouraged those whose lives are at risk to seek help from right sources.
“Do not do things alone.” She cautioned. “It is a wrong idea and concept. In our culture in Nigeria, we are not trained that way. Families consist of the parents, the children and the whole family. So, I think that for us to keep our culture going, it is advisable that our children are encouraged to carry their families along. If you have problem with your spouse, you have to run to someone and if they are not part of your planning and celebration, you may not freely go to them for advice. It is always good to carry the family along.”
Discouraging involving third parties at the slightest offence, she opined that it “does not mean that one should not cry out when things are out of proportion. You need to seek help when things get out of hand. You need to go into counseling. Do not just go to the people who will only tell you to pack your things and leave the house. Tihe truth will always be revealed.”
