Veteran Actress, Uche Ebere has opened up on her marriage and how things have been and her journey through life.
Speaking to Punch, she had things to say;
How did you meet your husband?
I met my husband through my friend (his sister). I often went to their house to meet her and we’re from the same village. On one of the visits, I met him (my husband) and we started talking. Occasionally, his sister would send me a message from him (just to greet me), until she told me ‘my brother loves you and wants to marry you’. I was shocked and asked her ‘how can your brother want to marry me just like that? I don’t know him too well’.
When she kept persuading me and telling me how good her brother was, I stopped visiting their house; I was in my second year at the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu State. When I returned to school, I decided not to go home for a while to avoid them. But my mum visited me in school and coaxed me on their behalf to accept the marriage proposal. That was 1991 and there was no phone then. Later on, I started giving it a thought and we got married in 1992.
Can you remember the first words your husband said to you?
He said, ‘Oh, you’re my sister’s friend? You look so beautiful. I have been watching you discussing with my sister each time I visit home and you seem to me like a good girl, I want us to be friends’. That day, I felt like the ground should open up and swallow me, seeing a tall man talking to me.
What attracted you to him?
His height and dark complexion; he is a gentleman and he looks like my brother.
How did he propose to you?
He proposed to me through his sister, my girlfriend.
What did you enjoy most on your wedding day?
I felt on top of the world because I remember vividly that people of calibre filled up the church and the hall. It was a success to the glory of God!
What are the important lessons you’ve learnt from your marriage?
They are quite numerous. Marriage made me understand that I should apply wisdom in everything I do. It made me look away from certain things and focus on the important things in life. Also, I’ve learnt to love people more than hate them and to know God more.
What core values have helped your family?
Being content in the things we have, having the fear of God, and respecting one another. In addition to that, obedience, the ability to heed corrections, and being careful in whatever we do.
As an actor, wife, and mother, how do you balance your career and home?
I started my career when my last child was four years old. I had two house helps then and my husband helps out too anytime he’s around. This makes it easy for me to go to locations for filming, though I don’t go far or stay long. I usually return home within two to three days. Over time, my family started adapting to the new system.
Also, my four kids learnt to do things for themselves pretty early. My first son started going to the market at the age of 12 because I used to take him to the market with me. Sometimes, when I was at a location (despite that I cook soups and some food and store them in the fridge for them), they would call me on the phone to direct them on how to cook some meal, especially banga (palm nut) soup. It took God’s help and using my brain to balance the whole thing.
What qualities should singles watch out for in their to-be spouses?
When you marry someone with the fear of God, wisdom, understanding, and human feelings, someone who has a conscience and has love in them, you’re good to go. Whatever is left, God will take care of them.