"You're Still the One I Want for Life": Oby Ezekwesili Pens Emotional Tribute as She Marks 37 Years of Love and Commitment

In a rare and touching public display of affection, former Minister of Education and outspoken Nigerian thought leader, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, took to social media to celebrate a remarkable personal milestone—her 37th wedding anniversary with her husband, Pastor Chinedu Ezekwesili. Known for her fierce advocacy for accountability, good governance, and girls’ education, Dr. Ezekwesili revealed a softer, more intimate side as she expressed deep gratitude and enduring love for the man who has stood by her side through nearly four decades.

The post, shared on her official handle, read more like poetry than prose—a heartfelt outpouring of emotion that struck a chord with thousands of followers across the country and beyond. “#ThirtySeven today, MyGuy Pastor Chinedu T. Ezekwesili and I am forever blessing our God for that Day you asked me and I said a resounding YES!” she wrote, evoking a wave of reactions from admirers, colleagues, and everyday Nigerians.

In a world where celebrity marriages often burn out as fast as they are lit, and where political figures are rarely known for vulnerability in matters of the heart, Ezekwesili’s message stood out not just for its longevity but for its honesty. “And I will always love you until we return to the One who's shown us the everlasting love upon which we centered ours in good times and tough times through the years,” she added, underlining the spiritual and emotional depth that has seemingly undergirded their marriage.

“You’re still the one I want for life,” she concluded—words that might echo the chorus of a romantic ballad but, in this case, carry the weight of 37 years of lived experience, shared dreams, trials, triumphs, and a faith-filled journey that has endured political turbulence, public scrutiny, and personal sacrifice.

The tribute did more than celebrate a wedding anniversary—it offered a rare glimpse into the private sanctuary of a woman better known for boardroom battles, protest marches, and high-level policy debates. As the co-founder of the Bring Back Our Girls movement and one of Nigeria’s most prominent voices for justice, Ezekwesili has often stood as a symbol of national conscience. Yet here, she was simply a woman in love, honoring a bond that has quietly sustained her through the decades.

The revelation sparked an outpouring of praise and admiration online. One user commented, “In a time when people barely stay married for seven years, you’ve done 37 and still speak with this level of passion? Incredible!” Another added, “This is the kind of love story we don’t hear enough—godly, enduring, and intentional.”

Dr. Ezekwesili’s marriage to Pastor Chinedu Ezekwesili has long remained in the background of her public life, but this brief, poignant message peeled back the curtain on what appears to be a deeply rooted partnership. Many noted how rare it is to see African women in power take the time to publicly celebrate their marriages in such an emotionally open way. It wasn’t about flaunting wealth or power; it was about affirming a choice made long ago and still held dear.

What made the moment even more powerful was its simplicity. There were no glitzy anniversary photos, no elaborate declarations, no over-the-top hashtags. Just an honest, faith-grounded expression of gratitude and love—one that seemed to reflect not only the woman who wrote it, but also the kind of relationship she and her husband have cultivated over the years.

It’s hard not to reflect on the significance of 37 years together in a rapidly changing world. Thirty-seven years means surviving the upheaval of military regimes, Nigeria’s transition to democracy, economic downturns, personal losses, and public battles. It means enduring the harsh glare of public life while nurturing the privacy and sacredness of a marriage. It means still calling someone “MyGuy” after four decades—not out of habit, but out of love, admiration, and friendship.

Oby Ezekwesili’s tribute arrives at a time when society is constantly redefining love, marriage, and what it means to build a life with someone. In many ways, it served as a gentle reminder that true partnership is not just about the dazzling highs, but also about the quiet, steady commitment to show up for each other—especially when no one is watching.

The post has since gone viral, garnering thousands of likes and retweets, and sparking conversations about love, faith, and endurance. It’s no surprise that many who read her words found themselves reflecting on their own relationships, or even hoping to one day write something similar. It felt less like a performance and more like a personal journal entry—one that, by some chance, the public was allowed to read.

Even beyond the romance, it highlighted something powerful: the centrality of faith in the couple’s journey. Ezekwesili’s reference to “the One who’s shown us the everlasting love upon which we centered ours” reveals the spiritual core of their union. This spiritual dimension may well explain the resilience, depth, and authenticity that defines their relationship.

In a world increasingly driven by social media optics, fleeting attention spans, and transactional love, Oby Ezekwesili’s message feels refreshingly grounded. It’s the kind of love story that doesn’t shout but whispers—one that doesn’t chase the spotlight but quietly radiates its own warmth.

As Nigerians continue to engage with her message and share their thoughts, one thing is clear: this was more than just a wedding anniversary post. It was a moment of reflection, a glimpse into a private love story, and a testimony of faith and endurance. And in a time when so much feels uncertain, Oby and Chinedu Ezekwesili’s 37-year love story is a beautiful reminder that some things—when built on the right foundation—can truly stand the test of time.