My Christian upbringing was one of the greatest gifts given to me by my parents, the late Sir FGN and the late Dame Monica Okoye. I grew up learning the importance of prayers and Bible reading, which has greatly influenced my life and marriage.

Every individual possesses spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical facets. The state of our relationships and marriages significantly impacts our overall health and well-being. At the same time, our financial situation is a crucial determinant of our happiness and overall well-being.

Life presents a myriad of complexities and stressors, and it is widely acknowledged that a strong spiritual foundation plays a pivotal role in shaping our ability to navigate these inevitable challenges effectively.

The prevailing challenge lies in the disproportionate emphasis placed by churches and mosques on spirituality while neglecting other vital dimensions of life. This imbalance has contributed to societal decadence, even within predominantly Christian and Muslim communities.

Consequently, many individuals leave religious institutions burdened with negative mindsets, inhibiting their personal growth, emotional well-being, and capacity to build healthy relationships and marriages.

Many men struggle to fulfil their roles as spiritual leaders in their homes due to behaviours that distance them from God. When spiritual leadership is absent, family vision weakens, and marital challenges intensify.

In some cases, women with strong spiritual, mental, and emotional capacity assume dual roles to maintain family stability, often at great personal cost. However, families that pray together consistently demonstrate greater resilience in the face of life’s inevitable trials.

Personally, I cannot cope with life’s challenges without my personalised conversation with God. God is my essence, rock, and anchor. When I neglect prayer and Bible reading, I become anxious, irritable, and emotionally unsettled.

Building a Strong Spiritual Foundation

For single individuals, I strongly recommend establishing a solid spiritual foundation. Active church involvement alone does not define genuine Christianity.

Having a personal relationship with God is one of the most profound experiences any human can have. Through communion with Him, you gain access to divine power, authority, and clarity of purpose.

Living a purposeful life enables you to make the right decisions at the right time and in the right direction. When God is at the centre of your life, He inspires you to tap into your innate resources and pursue your marital goals without anxiety or compromise.

Tips for Relationship and Marital Success

Couples who sustain beautiful and fulfilling marriages over many years often share one common secret: a strong commitment to shared spirituality and faith.

Commit to building your spiritual life, as it forms the foundation upon which every other aspect of life is shaped. Develop a personal relationship with God, engage in continuous spiritual growth, and embrace integrative lifestyle principles for lasting fulfilment.

Let God lead you, for He will never lead you astray. A consistent commitment to spirituality and personal development is the beginning of a strong, healthy, and enduring marriage.