There are many steps that a man dreams to climb to refer to himself as being successful. Among the lot is having a settled and committed marital relationship with the love of his life, and building a happy family.

But it is sometimes not easy for a young man and woman to make the commitment to live together forever, given the social and financial pressures, that come with marital vows. According to Jeremiah Onoge, the National Youth President of Voice of Freedom Ministries, (one of Nigeria’s biggest Pentecostal churches, headed by Bishop Dr. Abraham Chibundu), marriage is one of man’s boldest steps in life.

Speaking recently in Benin City during the traditional marriage ceremony of two key youth members of the church, Kingsley Osaghae and former Miss Joy Ogieriakhi, Onoge said: “The joy of marriage cannot be over-emphasised. It comes with great benefits.”

He drew upon biblical scriptures to buttress his point. “He who finds a wife finds a good thing,” he said, quoting Proverbs 18:22. The youth leader noted that there are advantages in marriage for couples (like having a second at (loving) head to consult constantly and the joy and excitement of parenthood.

While admonishing the marrying couple to be tolerant towards each other in the course of their lifelong journey as man and wife, Onoge tasked them to focus more on the good in each other and not on their weaker sides.

The couple (Mr and Mrs Osaghae who have been heavily involved in philanthropic activities within and outside the church) were full of smiles as they went through the formalities of the colourful Edo traditional wedding. They thanked guests who made their day a very happy one.

•Photo shows the couple, Kingsley and Joy Osaghae, during their traditional marriage ceremony in Benin City.