‘Women should keep the spark in their marriages alive’

                              

Mrs. Saliat Bolanle Isola  is the Chief Academic Planning Officer, Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abuja, former Family Support  Programme (FSP) chairperson, Abeokuta North Local Government and wife of  a  former Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Alhaji Sarafa Tunji Isola. Here, she speaks with Toluwani Olamitoke  on  her life experience, marriage and fashion preference.

It’s observed that some women, when courting,  give great attention to  their appearance but neglect their looks when they are married, what do you think can be responsible for this?

A lady should always be conscious of her looks all the time. She should be clean in and out and be presentable before and after marriage. Some ladies neglect their looks because they believe they have ‘conquered’ and married their husbands when in actual fact they need to promote and instill the culture of appearing good and elegant in their children, especially girls.

What in your view makes a happy home?

The ingredients of a happy home are many. These also  include, but are not limited to, unconditional love, forgiveness and tolerance. Every woman should learn to display all of  these. If you do then you will always keep the spark in your marriage alive.

How old is your marriage?

We got married on April 1, 1989, so we have been married for 26 years. And  I’m glad to say I have no regrets.

Where and how did you meet your husband?

I met my husband in Abeokuta, Ogun State, through a friend of  his.

Can you please introduce him?

He’s Alhaji Sarafa Tunji Isola, a former Minister of Mines and Steel Development.

How will you describe him?

 He is a God-fearing, articulate, fashionable, responsible, supportive and worthy husband.

Men have different ways of proposing, how did your husband propose to you?

There was no fuss about it. He only asked me if I would marry, him and seeing he had the qualities I desired in who I would love to marry, I agreed to his marriage proposal.

Where were you born and how was growing up like?

I was born at the Baptist Hospital, Saki, in Saki West Local Government of Oyo State where medical facility could be accessed then, though my parents were based in Iseyin where I grew up. Growing up was fun with lots of friends in a communal living. Our parents knew one another and they were friends.

Do you have any childhood memories?

The society was by far more peaceful than what is obtainable these days. There were no cases of cultism, terrorism and insurgency.

Considering the issue of parenting  in the past  and now, which will you say is better?

Parenting now is better than what it was in the past. Most parents now are enlightened to the extent that adequate provisions are made for their children while growing up  and fewer number of children are raised so that maximum comfort is guaranteed. Time is also created for children’s monitoring and supervision while in school by dutiful parents today.

In terms of relating with the opposite sex, were your parents liberal or conservative?

My parents were liberal. Then moral values were held in high esteem, we therefore knew we must not misbehave.

Talking about the  boy-girl relationship, how was it in your youthful days compared to now?

 Boy-girl relationship in the past used to take place in the secondary school because students were more mature then than now. These days some students start dating at the university.

What lessons has life taught you?

Life has taught me to be patient and humble in all that I do.

How do you relax?

I  relax by travelling and listening to good music.

Do you consider yourself fashionable?

I consider myself fashionable.

What are your favourite beauty items?

I like using foundation, powder, lipstick, eyeliner and perfume.

If you have the opportunity of seeing God for a second what would  you tell Him?

I would say ‘Thank you Lord for your unquantifiable love and generousity’.