Love sometimes has a funny way of bringing two people together – just ask *Irewole and *Ranti. Their journey started in a WhatsApp group for young professionals at their church, where they connected virtually before meeting in person. But what makes their love story even more intriguing? Ranti spent time trying to matchmake Irewole with other women, until she realized she was the one he had his eyes on all along! From church group chats to forever. This is how Irewole and Ranti found love.
How long have you guys been together?
Irewole: Before dating, we were friends for almost two years. At the moment, we’ve been official for thirteen months.
That’s some time. How did you meet?
Irewole: We were attending the same church, and there was this special assembly for young professionals that was separate from the regular congregation. This was where we first met. To help young people with this kind of profile connect, the church organised hangouts and also created a WhatsApp group. I started engaging with her virtually in that group. I recognised her profile name but couldn’t match it to her face. It wasn’t until one of the physical hangouts that we finally met in person and became friends.
Ranti: Yes, we started talking from the WhatsApp group. My first impression of him was that he was very lively online, always interacting. So, when I met him in person, I expected him to have the same energy. But he was more reserved. I was a bit surprised, but as we talked more, I realised he was just as cool as I had imagined.
Have either of you been in any relationships before?
Irewole: Yes, I have. My previous relationship didn’t end due to cheating or a major conflict. My ex was a good person, but as time went on, I started having aspirations for growth, and I expected my partner to share a similar drive. We might not have had to be exactly alike, but I wanted us to be pushing toward something great together. Over time, our communication dwindled, and the relationship lost its spark. From calling each other daily to less frequent calls. It got to a point, there was no excitement any longer in the relationship. We eventually parted ways to allow ourselves room to grow at our pace.
Ranti: I was also in a relationship before Irewole. One day, my ex just told me he needed a break. He said he needed to go on a journey of self-discovery ‘alone’ after ghosting me for almost two weeks. We had a fight which led to him ghosting me and then the breakup. I tried to make us work but he seemed uninterested so I had to let him go.
Did you and Irewole become a thing in Nigeria or after moving abroad?
Ranti: We became official after I had moved abroad and he was still in Nigeria, so it was a long-distance relationship at first. He later joined me in January 2025.
How did you sustain the long-distance relationship?
Irewole: Constant communication. No matter how much you love someone, if communication becomes inconsistent, it can create problems. We talked every day; mostly video calls, even during work breaks. We also played virtual games together and reminded each other why we loved one another. Communication and love kept us going.
Ranti: It wasn’t easy, to be honest, but being intentional made all the difference. Also, openness played a huge role. Long distance relationships are always difficult, but if your partner is secretive, it becomes even harder. For me, there was nothing to make me doubt him, given his openness.
ICYMI Issue 6: We Were Just Friends – Until She Sent That WhatsApp Message
How did you handle physical intimacy while apart?
Ranti: Sometimes, it was overwhelming. I just wanted to be with him. It wasn’t easy. But again, openness helped. We talked about how we felt and reassured each other. We also set boundaries to ensure we stayed aligned with our values. Even though we weren’t physically together, we still felt loved.
How was it like finally seeing and holding on to each other after two years?
Ranti: We had planned for him to come earlier, but things didn’t work out. When the day finally came, I was anxious. I had changed physically. I’d added some weight and I wondered if he’d still like me. Of course, we had exchanged pictures, but seeing someone in real life is different. But we talked about it ahead of that day and I became more reassured. Also, we had a misunderstanding before his arrival, so I was upset. But when I saw him at the train station, all my anger melted away, even though I still tried to “form vex.” It felt good holding him, for someone I have always talked to for months.
ICYMI #LoveBox Issue 5: Bad Boy Turned Born Again: Now, I’m Searching for True Love
Irewole: I had similar worries about physical appearance. But we had talked things through beforehand, so it helped. When she saw me, she was pretending to be angry, but I just pulled her in for a hug.
Awww. When exactly did you make it official?
Irewole: One sweet day in January.
Ranti: Lol. January 17, 2024.
How did that happen?
Ranti: Like I mentioned earlier, we had been close friends before I left the country. In fact, he was one of the people who saw me off when I was travelling. After travelling, I noticed that he started avoiding me. We talked about it and became intentional about our friendship which made us even closer. Then I tried matchmaking him with other women!
Wait, you matched him with other people?
Ranti:Yes o, I tried matching him with lots of people, but somehow, they didn’t work out or he just always said no. One day after another round of rejecting my matchmaking offer, I jokingly asked, “What do you want then?” And he said, “What about you?” I was shocked because I never thought that he saw me in the light of a potential partner.
We had to talk about how we felt, he told me about all the subtle hints he had been dropping which I ignored. I didn’t give him an answer then because I wanted him to ask the question, knowing how he felt about me wasn’t enough. On the 17th of January, he asked me to be his girl and I gave him a yes.
ICYMI #LoveBox Issue 4: He Bought His Wedding Shoes from Me – Only To Marry Someone Else
What was your first date like?
Irewole: We haven’t had an official first date yet. The first time we went out after I moved was to McDonald’s. It was nice, but we still need to go on a proper date.
Interesting. Who struggles more with vulnerability?
Ranti: Lol, easily him. But he’s improving sha.
What’s the most romantic thing Ranti has done for you?
Irewole: I will never forget Valentine’s Day 2024 in a hurry partly because I rarely get gifts from people. So, when she surprised me with something special, it meant a lot. In fact, I felt what she gave me was too much. I was surprised that anyone would go that length for me. I wasn’t expecting that much. She went over and beyond to make me happy.
ICYMI #LoveBox Issue 3: One Tweet, One DM and a Love Story That Is Defying Distance.
How about you?
Ranti: He isn’t the most romantic person, to be honest, but one day, I woke up to a very beautiful message from him that made me feel cherished. Moreso, because I wasn’t expecting it. Another thing he does that I enjoy a lot is that he always finds a way to compliment me. I always love it when he does that.
So, your love language is words of affirmation?
Ranti: Actually a little of that and more of physical touch, quality time, and acts of service.
ICYMI #LoveBox Issue 2: One Minute, It Was Love. The Next, He Was Hurling Insults at Me
Interesting, and you?
Irewole: For me, it’s words of affirmation and physical touch.
I go love o. What’s the future for you both?
Ranti: The future for us is bright & beautiful, it definitely is going to be great, with him as my head, I am certain to have the best and fun-filled life and future!
Irewole: The future is indeed going to be great. Having a supportive and sacrificial woman like her, I know that everything will be beautiful because I have found my virtuous woman and I will definitely obtain favour from the Lord.
ICYMI #LoveBox Issue 1: I Wanted Him But The Streets Didn’t Want to Let Him Go
Sweet! Surely we are hearing the wedding bells sometime soon then?
Irewole: Mid-2025, by God’s grace.
KloutBox #LoveBox Series
This story is part of the KloutBox #LoveBox series, celebrating Valentine’s Day by sharing real stories about love, heartbreak, and everything in between. Subscribe to our newsletter here so you can be the first to know when we release the next issue in the series.
