Veteran journalist and broadcaster Reuben Abati has penned a heartfelt message to his wife, Kikelomo Atanda-Owo, on her birthday.
In a post shared on Instagram on Friday, Mr Abati described Mrs Atanda-Owo as one of the few women who challenge him intellectually and push him to be more.
He wrote, “Happy birthday to my Jewel! You are one of the few women who challenge me intellectually and push me to be more not because of your God-given charm but because of your drive, discipline, and strength of purpose. You’re never afraid to roll up your sleeves and do the work.”
Referring to a piece of advice he received, Abati added, “My Godfather, Prince Adelusi, said recently that perfectly defines our union: ‘A happy man marries the girl he loves, but the happier man loves the woman he marries.’ True happiness doesn’t sit on the shelf, it comes from within. And truly, with you, I’ve found that genuine happiness.”
He expressed appreciation to his wife, saying, “Thank you, Kiki, for all you do. I am blessed to have such a kind, industrious, and compassionate soul as my life partner.”
Abati also shared that he values their moments together.
“I love this first slide photo because it captures the playful side of us, especially when we’re not busy debating national issues. The laughter, the bond, and the joy we find in each other. You make me happy in ways words can’t fully describe.”
He concluded his message by reaffirming his love, writing, “My love for you will endure until my final breath as you’re not just my sunrise… You are my sun, Iyawo e. Happy 46th birthday, my oyinbo.”
Reacting to her husband’s message, Mrs Atanda-Owo wrote, “To My Crown, My Calm, My Constant, thank you, Ruby, for the consistency of your love, the kind that doesn’t waver with seasons but deepens with every sunrise. Thank you for your commitment, your patience, your tenderness, and your ability to make me desire you anew every single day.”
She continued, “You love me the way my father would, with both protection and pride, with guidance and grace. You have become my covering, my confidant, my greatest cheerleader, and my peaceful place in a world that rarely slows down.”
Mrs Atanda-Owo praised her husband’s intellect and emotional depth.
“Ruby, you are not just brilliant in thought but deep in heart. Your mind challenges mine, your words steady me, and your presence anchors me. With you, love feels like partnership — a shared rhythm of two people constantly evolving but always finding home in each other even though you annoy me sometimes.”
She ended her note with gratitude, writing, “Thank you for seeing me beyond my strength, for honouring my purpose, for defending my light even when I’m too exhausted to shine it. You remain my king in wisdom, in kindness, in quiet power. I celebrate you today too for the man that you are and for the grace you bring into my life. I’m grateful that God thought me worthy of a love so rare, so intentional, so complete. With love always, your stubborn Iyawo e.”
