Lagos-Based Lady, Gift Joseph-Egenti, Shares How She Met and Fell in Love with Her Husband Despite Early Misconceptions

Gift Joseph-Egenti, a clerical staff member at a Lagos hospital and auxiliary nurse, recounts her unique love story and what initially drew her to her husband, who is physically challenged. In an exclusive interview, Joseph-Egenti shares the details of how they met and the challenges she faced when introducing him to her family.

In 2015, Gift was living with her parents in her hometown when her future husband moved into the area. She recalls overhearing friends gossip about him, mocking his height and appearance, and alleging he was frequently seen with different women. These comments initially gave her a negative impression of him. “I already had that hate feeling for him based on what my friends said about him,” she said.

Despite this, her husband was determined to make contact. After multiple attempts to catch her attention, a twist of fate intervened one day when his car’s bumper was damaged while trying to speak to her. This incident finally persuaded Gift to pause and hear him out. “I had to stop and ask him what happened,” she recalled, adding that her initial reaction was irritation.

When they eventually spoke, Gift realized that her preconceptions, fueled by her friends’ remarks, were unfounded. Their conversations grew, leading her to see his genuine qualities beyond physical appearance and others’ opinions.

Gift acknowledges that her choice wasn’t without challenges, particularly concerning her family’s reaction. However, she emphasizes that her husband’s resilience, warmth, and kindness ultimately won her over, helping her family see the person behind the stereotypes.

The couple’s journey serves as a testament to the power of seeing beyond surface impressions and social bias.