Rela Tech ship: From Schoolmates to Soulmates and now working in same industry.

Alex and Chioma went to the same school, after years of going different parts they met again, fall in love and both working as a Product Managers.

ICYMI, catch the previous edition here

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Rela Tech ship: is a love story of tech couples by NTBTS where we delve into their relationships, situationships, and maybe some entanglements.

Hi! Please tell us your names and what you do. You can brag too if need be. It’s not a child’s play to be techies.  

Chioma: Hello, I’m Chioma, a Product Manager with an extensive background in digital marketing
Alex: Hello, I’m Alex. I’m also a Product Manager, into entrepreneurship and technology and yeah, I also studied Mathematics

Wow! You also studied Mathematics? I mean, I’ve seen a few Math Grad but I used to think you guys are some nerdy folks, somehow descendants of Newton and Einsteins. I want to be like you when I grow up sha.

Alex: Lol

Let’s get a lirru bit romantic here. So, where did you guys meet?

Chioma: Actually we both attended the same secondary school, but he was my senior
Alex: Yes, we both attended the same secondary school. But then, I finished before she did and I came back to teach in that same school and I use to teach her after school on topics she didn’t understand in maths.

Really? Aww. So you have been like a teacher to her?

Alex: Lol. Yes.
Chioma: Then, I used to think he is a strict person because he’s smart, a guru and I don’t like when someone is too serious. But when we got closer, I realized that he’s smart and also playful.

Aww... Nice! What was your first impression when you meet your partner?

Chioma:  I've always known that he’s smart and brilliant. He is not so goofy and not so stiff. Most times when you find people that have those smart qualities, most of them are dry.

Chai! So, who is more romantic? 

Chioma: I am. I am the romantic here, I like to believe so.
Alex: hehehe, I am joor. Actually I am but then she won't agree.

A win for the female folks. Another question; who is the better cook? I mean, who we should expect to give Gordon Ramsey a run for his money?

Chioma: I am the better cook nau. Alex is the first son, so they used to cook for him, so he does not cook.
Alex: Let's just agree that she is. But she'll be shocked sha when she gets to taste Odogwu's food.

I love the dynamics of your relationship; it is giving couple’s goals vibes. How long have you guys been dating? You said you have known each other for a while. 5, 10, or 20 years now?

Chioma: Nooooo. We have known each other for a while, but we just started dating. Like a year and three months now
Alex: Yeah, we’ve known each other since our school days but we just started dating.

How nice! So 2 years anniversary soon.
Chioma: Yes o.

Let’s get a bit serious now. Straight to the Techie people questions zen. Have you guys ever worked on the same project together, maybe coding, designing, or any sort of?

Chioma: Yes, several times I guess. There was a time he thought me how to use WordPress, and learning it was really hard, especially the backend part but Alex is a very good teacher and he makes it so simple. We also worked in the same company and I was the project lead.

Wow, how does it feel working together?

Chioma: Well, we try not to mix work with relationship and try as much as possible to be professional. When it comes to work, I try as much as possible to treat him as I would treat any other colleague. We use different channels for work and relationship talk.
Alex: Yeah, she does that, I try as much as possible to do the task assigned to me
Chioma: See the way he’s talking sef. He is a co-founder in the company because we started it together.

You guys are so inspiring. Well done! How do you balance work and relationships?

Chioma: We try to find a balance between it. Sometimes when he doesn't finish his task at work I kind of show it in my reaction after working hours but we are walking through it.
Alex: To balance work and our time together, I’ll be like okay, have I had a conversation with this person today, this week? And I will look forward to the opportunities to ensure that happens irrespective of what the schedule is or stuff like that. I will make sure that happens, even though the level of the conversation that is satisfactory to me is far lesser for her. And I’ve been getting better to define what the standard and the minimal level of conversation we ought to have weekly is.
Chioma: What are you trying to say, is not like my standards are that high.

I perfectly understand. Can you tell us three things that you love about your partner? This question is for both of you.

Chioma: Alex, do you want to go first?
Alex: Ladies first o.
Chioma: He’s smart - book smart, street smart, business smart, and every kind of smart; he is very selfless and looks out for other people; and he is very supportive, like very supportive in actions and in words. I don’t like being around people who make me feel like I am doing so much, and Arinze just helps me see the bigger picture. There are so many but that is the top three.
Alex: Groom price don increase like this.
Chioma: You don't know anything, dey say groom price, don’t go and ask my brother how much your money is. My bride price dey compete with your groom price.
Alex: She's very disciplined and she ensures to see stuff through to the end. She's very smart and attractive. She's given to ministry, committed to spiritual things, and can't hold back herself from God's call even when she tries. And just as metal sticks with a magnet, I know that she will always be there for me.

What are the three deal breakers for you in a relationship?

Chioma: When there is lack of respect for a partner and their opinions, yunno any form of disrespect; when the relationship becomes one-sided such that it seems like it is only one person trying to pull the weight; and when there is no communication, yunno having to beg for communication, nah, I am not even doing that. Those are my deal breakers.
Alex: Yeah, there are stuff that could be too much to take in and she'll need a lot of energy to pull them. She doesn't have that kind of energy anytime soon, so for the next 2-5 years, it's still like a sealed deal.

Please tell us three things you see yourself doing in ten years

Chioma: Ten years from now, I see myself building companies in the education space. I see myself investing in young women, particularly girls from low socioeconomic backgrounds through mentorship and programs. I see myself traveling; going on adventures, I want to make that my sorta lifestyle.

Alex: Getting married. Preaching together. Speaking at conferences together and helping thousands of people grow economically and in their careers.

Oya on a scale of 1 - 10 how would you rate your partner?

Chioma: 10/10
Alex: She breaks the scale. But on average days, it’s 10/10.

Omo! It was an absolute delight talking to you both. Thank you Chioma and Alex for honoring my invite. I wish you guys all my heartfelt best in your ship and the things you want to do to better humanity.

Alex: Thank you for having us

Chioma: You’re welcome, Nabeelah. I had a fun time too.

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