The former Chief Medical Director, University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) Gwagwalada, and his amiable wife have marked 33 years of marriage, describing their journey as a testament to God’s faithfulness, resilience, forgiveness and the power of choosing one another through life’s challenges.
Celebrating the milestone, Dr and Mrs Peter Alabi reflected on more than three decades of marriage, describing the years as “33 years of battles fought and victories won” and 33 years of repeatedly choosing each other.
Looking back to the day they exchanged their vows, the couple said they could not have known how far their journey would take them, but expressed gratitude for what they described as God’s unwavering presence throughout their marriage.
In their words, “When we said ‘I do’ 33 years ago, we had no idea how far God would carry us. But one thing we know for sure: God has been with us all the way.”
The couple acknowledged that their marriage has not been without difficulties. They recalled seasons of falling and being lifted, moments of tears and laughter, disagreements and reconciliation. According to them, their ability to overcome those moments has been strengthened by their faith and commitment to each other.
They referenced Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, which speaks about the strength and support that comes from companionship, and Psalm 125:1-2, drawing a parallel between God’s protection and the mountains surrounding Jerusalem.
The couple said their faith has helped them navigate battles they could not fight on their own, wounds that were not always visible and seasons they believed might break them.
They described God as the one who strengthened and preserved their union, saying He kept them not merely together but “stronger and more determined.”
The anniversary also became an opportunity for the couple to challenge some popular perceptions about marriage.
“When the world said marriage is hard, God showed us marriage is holy. When culture said marriage is outdated, God showed us marriage is ministry,” they said.
They also rejected the idea that marriage should be viewed merely as an obligation to endure, arguing instead that a healthy marriage can be beautiful, meaningful and worthwhile.
Addressing younger couples, Dr and Mrs Alabi encouraged them not to give up easily on their unions, stressing that lasting marriages are possible and worth fighting for.
In their words “Marriage can last. It is worth fighting for”
They also offered words of encouragement to older couples, urging them to remain hopeful and open to new seasons of joy, purpose and strength.
According to the couple, marriage should be understood beyond conventional descriptions of it as a contract or burden.
“Marriage is not a cage. It is covenant. It is not a burden. It is a blessing. It is not a contract. It is ministry,” they declared.
Thirty-three years after saying “I do,” the couple said they are not defined by the difficulties they have encountered but by the testimony that has emerged from overcoming them.
According to them, “33 years later, we are not tired. We are testimonies. We are not surviving, we are thriving because the Lord is our keeper”
As they celebrate the milestone, the couple attributed their enduring union to God and gave Him all the glory for the journey so far.