The father-in-law of Nigerian gospel singer and pastor Nathaniel Bassey has recounted how he initially questioned the singer’s ability to marry his daughter after learning that his profession involved playing the trumpet. Speaking about the journey that led to their marriage, he revealed that when his daughter first informed him about Nathaniel’s interest in marrying her, he questioned the young man’s occupation and initially thought he could discourage him from pursuing the relationship.
According to him, when he asked about the young man who wanted to marry his daughter, he was told that Nathaniel played the trumpet.
He recalled his reaction:
“That one, coming all the way from Lagos, a Lagos boy, to take my daughter? I told Kola, ‘What is his job?’ He said, ‘He blows trumpet.’ I said, ‘Trumpet? Trumpet keh?’” He explained that his daughter was still studying Computer Science and was around her second year in school at the time. The father-in-law said he instructed Kola to inform Nathaniel that his daughter would not get married until she completed her education.
“I told him, ‘Tell him my daughter is in school.’ And he was on level, I think 200 then, doing Computer Science in junior year. Tell him that this girl will not get married until she finishes her school. I don’t want somebody to get married to my daughter and say tomorrow, ‘I trained you.’” He admitted that he thought the condition would frighten Nathaniel and make him abandon the relationship. The father-in-law revealed that Nathaniel did not walk away after hearing the condition. Instead, he waited for the two years it took his daughter to complete her studies. He said that after giving the instruction, Kola relayed his message to Nathaniel, who left, while he continued praying about the matter.
He also spoke about his confidence in prayer, explaining that he had always believed in taking his desires to God. However, he described his experience with the Redeemed Christian Church of God and its pastor as a turning point in his spiritual journey. He said he eventually left his previous religious affiliation and joined the Redeemed Christian Church of God.
The father-in-law further recounted how Nathaniel contacted him after his daughter had graduated, informing him that he would be coming with Pastor Ben. He explained that he knew Pastor Ben as the Commissioner for Economic Development in Lagos State at the time and initially doubted that such a busy public official would accompany Nathaniel to his home. He told his wife that he believed Nathaniel had lied about bringing Pastor Ben and decided that if the singer arrived alone, he would end the discussion. However, to his surprise, Pastor Ben showed up at their gate on Saturday evening. His wife had prepared pounded yam and other food for the visitors, who ate before the conversation continued later that night.
According to him, around 11 p.m., Pastor Ben explained that he had come because of Nathaniel and encouraged the young man to speak. He recalled that Nathaniel struggled to express himself because of his emotions.
“Daddy, it’s true, I love. I love, I love, I love,” he recalled Nathaniel saying. The father-in-law said he eventually acknowledged that the marriage appeared to be God’s will for the couple. Turning to Pastor Ben, he said: “I have prayed, but it seems your prayer is stronger than mine. And God wants this marriage to…”
He added that he would not go into the details of the traditional marriage arrangements, explaining that because he believed God had joined the couple together, he almost gave his daughter away freely. He also used the opportunity to encourage young people to allow God to direct their lives. Reflecting on his own experience, he said he had worked in the Nigerian Postal Service, a Federal Government institution, and risen to the position of post manager. He added that his life experiences had taught him the importance of allowing God to take control.
“If you allow God to take control of your life, He will take control of your life so much that you will not even be able to do anything any longer. He will be a good Father for you,” he said. He further expressed happiness about Nathaniel and his daughter’s marriage, noting that he now spends considerable time with the couple because he has seen the love they share. He concluded by praying that their love would continue.
“I have seen the love of God in them. And I pray that this love will continue, in the name of Jesus.”
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