His name is Barret Akpokabayen, an Urhobo from Delta State who
is also a lecturer at the Yaba College of Technology. He teaches
Graphic Arts. The young man in his 30s appreciates his calling to
the extent that he decided to choose a life time partner from his
profession.
He admits that "because of our peculiar nature, it might not have
been easy to cope with a lady who does not understand it". His
wife, Vivian was an Art student who understood Akpokabayen with
ease. Some where, a relationship began between the duo. They waited
for Vivian to graduate before they could walk down the aisle.
How we met
She was my student at the Yaba College of Technology. That was
where we met. We developed a relationship then, though it was not a
loud one.
Attraction
The attraction is that I am a graphic artist. Because of our
peculiar nature, it would not have been easy to marry someone who
is not an artist. A non-artist might probably not understand the
nature of an artist. In the case of my wife, immediately I explain
anything to her, she understands it with ease. She is an
illustrator, graphic artist, and a visualizer as well. We are both
in the same profession. We found ourselves working together,
working on the same project. That is the kind of wife I want.
Ideal marriage
My personal view about an ideal marriage is that it must consist of
two different people with different ideas and different visions.
You would definitely see something you enjoy about each other. Both
must make a commitment towards each other to work together, help
and improve each others life. The couple must give support and
understand each other very well.
HIV/AIDS Test
We went for the test. The result was negative.
Dislike
There is nothing I dislike about her now
If positive?
I would have gone ahead to marry my wife. It is about the time one
spends in this life that matters. There have been cases where
people die of accidents, plane crash, fire accidents. These are not
HIV related cases. We worry too much about little or nothing. I
thin, we should appreciate the time we have now, and the good life
that we have lived so far.
Advice
No man should allow himself to be forced into marriage. It is not a
competitive task. Marriage should be consummated only when the man
is ready and sure that this is what he wants for himself.
Mrs Vivian Akpokabayen (nee Irozuru) is a 27year-old lady from Abia
State. Like her husband, she has passion for graphic arts and that
was one of the motivating factors that led them to the altar.
Pretty Vivian spoke briefly about their relationship.
How we met
We met in school. He was my lecturer.
Attraction
He is a very simple person. I must also tell you he is a good
[person.
Ideal marriage
To me, it means understanding each other, being together and loving
each other.
If HIV positive, would you married him
Yes, I would have married him. My reason is because what we share
is more than HIV"AIDS. Being together and achieving our goals is
more important than HIV/AIDS. We have grown to understand each
other so well.