Chidinma and Ajibola
July 27, 2024
We met in 2018 during our residency medical training. When our program director called his name and I heard “his accent”, I thought to myself, oh nice a Nigerian and I wondered how much we would have in common. He was very quiet and mild mannered. This intrigued me because I'm not. It made me want to get to know him as a friend. After finding out that all of his family was back in Nigeria and he was here in the States alone, it was my mission to make sure he felt supported. This spanned from my mom cooking for us, inviting him for functions and events, starting a study group with him, I and our good friend and colleague Dr. Tifffany Cross and finding a home church in Warner Robins, Georgia. We really became close friends through the roughest part of residency when upperclassmen to lower classmen bullying was occurring. For some reason (not romantic) I felt the need to stand up for him and speak up on his behalf. This then led to me becoming a target. It was a hard time, but we endured. At the end of that year He, I and Dr. Cross ended up having the highest scores on our In Service Exams.
I had just matched into residency and was ready to give it my all without any distraction and total focus. However, on the first day of residents meeting, walking down the stairs to the classroom I saw this amazing creature in front of me and had to say to myself, don't look any further because this is not why you are here. From that day, my thoughts would not leave me and it consistently dwelled on how great it would be if we dated or became friends. We eventually became close friends and helped each other out with everything related to residency and life. About a year and 8 months into residency, the intrusive thoughts became more intense with me thinking "maybe this is the one" .
So, I intensified in my prayers and left it all in Gods hands while patiently waiting for the spiritual go-ahead. I remember the day we were chatting and I popped the question to her, asking if she would be my girlfriend.
Well, the rest is history, and that is why we are here at this moment!!
I only saw him as a friend. I began to notice that he would linger around more and I would catch him looking at me. Ajibola is a very service oriented person so he being extremely helpful is how he is with everyone. But, I began to realize he would go above and beyond such as asking if he could come help me take out my trash when needed, packing up my car when I would travel out of Warner Robins, helping me to type up a lot of my paperwork, assisting to put on my shoes whenever I had heels to put on and he was around and much more. I began to feel uncomfortable because I didn't want him to feel as if I was taking advantage so I pulled away from him for a short period of time. When we would talk, I realized we would spend long stretches of time on the phone (mostly me talking and him listening). We would constantly check in with each other when we traveled or when we wouldn't see each other for stretches due to different residency rotations. I remember at one time my friends began commenting. At one point my co-resident Tiffany exclaimed " Cece I can't believe you can't tell that Babatunde likes you". I shook it off. Our other co-resident Darshak Patel made it his duty to always comment to the both of us (separately) on the possibility. My best friend Patrice asked me randomly one day why I have not considered "the Nigerian guy in my residency". I responded that I didn't see him in that way and "I don't mix business with pleasure". She laughed at me shaking her head and said that I should give him a chance. My mom called me up one day stating that she had a dream and needed to tell me something. I warily asked what it was about. She proceeded to share she had a dream that Ajibola was her son-in-law. She expressed that I should give him a chance and that I never know what could come of it. I began to wonder why was I so hesitant. He was Christian, check. He was kind and smart, check. He wasn't bad on the eyes lol, check. We were both Nigerian, extra points. Long story short, one day he eventually asked. He was very intentional and direct. Though it took me a week to pray on it and seek counsel from family and friends. I eventually said YES!
... courage and nerves were developed, and I made the move to ask Chidinma out after I decided it was time to make feelings for her official and concrete. To backtrack, my parents who never pressured me about marriage all of a sudden started pestering me about it. I had still not asked her out during this period and wanted to be sure she would even say yes before I informed them. Because if not, they would not stop asking me about it every day.
Well, the day came when I knew it was either I make the move or never, so I wasted no more time and while we were having random conversation, I looked her in the eye and asked her out. She was speechless, emotionless, and was just looking at me. I was expecting a happy YESSSS but it all seemed quiet. I knew what I wanted and that it was her, so I told her you don't have to give me an answer at this time but I give you a week to make up your mind. Deep down I knew she would say yes. I guess she was trying to not make it easy for me, or maybe not.
Dating during that period came with its challenges because we were in residency and COVID only made it more difficult as we could not go out on dates and visit places but were mostly confined indoors. We definitely made it work by being more resourceful with what we had. We also had to keep it a secret during residency to avoid lots of attention from other residents and physicians.
Chidinma and Ajibola graduated Residency! Chidinma began her first job as an Attending Physician at Kaiser Permenente in Georgia while Ajibola went to complete his Fellowship in Addiction Medicine in New Jersey. It was a year of test, being that long distance had never been a thought since starting the courtship. The relationship changed but grew as they learned to love from afar and communicate through various means. FaceTime, Calls, texts, Instagram, Wednesday joint fasting and prayer, they did it all. All in all trusting God would by His grace bring them back to the same city. And He has! Ajibola Proposed to Chidinma on December 23, 2024 in the city in which they have decided to reside, Atlanta, Georgia.
God has been faithful and we can not be more elated to start down this new road as soon to be Husband and Wife. We know it will not be easy but we understand that with a good foundation in Christ, a marvelous support system of family and friends as well as having each others back through thick and thin our relationship will be a testimony and source of joy and peace!
Onyebuchi "Buchi" Chukwuma is the older sister of the bride. Chidinma and | Buchi have been instant friends since birth that can talk for hours about nothing!!! They have been together through the ups and downs of life & are excited for this new chapter in Chidinma's life. Buchi enjoys caring and getting to know patients at work, learning about other subjects outside medicine, and laughing with family and friends. She is honored to be standing by her sister Chidinma, on her big day as Chidinma's maid of honor.
My name is Patrice Uchendu. I met Chidinma in undergrad at the University of West Georgia. I came to her apartment with one of our mutual friends seeking help for a physics exam coming up lol
Since then, we became best friends and we’ve been inseparable ever since. We attended the same Medical school where we both earned our doctorate degrees. We have been through so much together while motivating each other through life.
I am so honored to be your Matron of honor and to share this special day with my best friend. Words can’t explain how happy I am for you and Jibola.
Brittany Jackson is a wife of nine years to her husband, Jaliyl. They share three beautiful toddlers named Emerie, Emerson and Emelia. Brittany and her family currently reside in Tampa, Florida where she works as a Nurse Practitioner. She began her friendship with the beautiful bride, Chidinma, almost 23 years ago, in their ninth grade year of high school. Brittany and Chidinma have loved and supported each other through many stages of life. Chidinma was Brittany’s maid-of-honor. Now it is time for Brittany to be apart of Chidinma’s big day in which she will marry the love of her life, Ajibola. Brittany is excited for the journey they are soon to embark on and prays for their infinite happiness! She is also ready for the future baby Babatunde’s!!!
My name is Tiffany Cross and I am a Family Physician. Cece and I first crossed paths in medical school. But our friendship truly blossomed when we supported each other during one of the most challenging times in residency. During this time, I also had the pleasure of meeting Babatunde. The chemistry between these two was obvious. They thought they were keeping things under wrap but a blind man would have noticed their connection. I am so happy for this beautiful couple and honored to be standing next to them as they embark on their forever love!
My name is Tolulope Abe. I am a family medicine physician which is how I met the couple. I was previously a friend of Jibola but I switched side after I met Cece ;-). Cece has been a great sister and I’m happy she is a part of us now.
Love you both
The new adventure for me and my wife to be could not be any more exciting and fulfilling without these guys in my life. I am truly grateful for you all! Let us continue to create these beautiful moments and let's enjoy every one of them.
Temidayo Abe hails from Ijare, a town in Ondo State, Nigeria (IJ London). He takes immense pride in his roots and considers himself fortunate to have the unwavering support and love of his friends and family for the past three decades. Temidayo is deeply intrigued by the intricate relationship between nature, medicine, and technology, and he devotes much of his time to comprehending their dynamic interplay. During his leisure hours, he finds joy in playing soccer and cherishing moments with his loved ones.
Dr. Sam Chukwuma PT, DPT, Cert DN Ceas 1
Brother of the Bride, Atlanta native, Basketball and Music enthusiast, Physical Therapist, loves to experience nature and hole in the wall food in other states and countries.
Happily married, father of 3 amazing children. Kids and being a family physician keep me busy but during my spare time, enjoy running, watching movies, and traveling. I met the couple in residency and always believed they were a great fit and did by best to let them know! To say I was overjoyed when they made it official is an understatement!
I go by Ndausung (ND). Husband & Father to my 3-year old son. Current Cardiology Fellow & a Fan of all sports. On my free time, I love playing video games & enjoy playing soccer.
Zain Memon, born and raised in Pakistan, is a dedicated medical professional, specializing in psychiatry. As an elder brother, son, loving husband, and proud father of two, he values family bonds and strives for a balanced life. Zain's journey began in medical school in Pakistan, culminating in his role as a skilled medical doctor and psychiatrist. Beyond his professional achievements, Zain's passions include exploring new destinations, savoring diverse cuisines, indulging in his love for cars, and fostering meaningful connections through socializing with friends.
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Chidinma and Ajibola
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