Encomium
CELEBRITY photographer, Matthew Ibadin has quit bachelorhood. He walked down the aisle with his wife, Peace Guobadia, a staff of National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Lekki, Lagos, on Saturday, September 15, 2012, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Benin City, Edo State. In an interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly on Thursday, September 20, 2012, the front man of Mattson Creations talked about his cherished profession, new status, why he chose to wed outside Lagos and more.
We equally chatted up the wife, who spoke passionately on the marriage.
How would you describe life as a celebrity photographer?
It has been a wonderful experience. It gives me a lot of joy to take pictures of people who are celebrities and equally see that their jobs comes out very well which in turn gives me a sense of belonging.
What about the journey so far?
The journey has been great. Apart from the gallery you’re seeing, we do a lot of things that has to do with visual communication. They include Photography Academy, Photography Club, Model Management, etc. I think I’ve been able to tell people that a photographer has dignity, which is the main value I want to inculcate into that profession. Aside this, we at Mattson Creations are content-giving company. That is, we supply contents to newspapers.
What is your unique selling point?
It is the unique way I take pictures or portraits. Again, I do a lot of cruise. I got to Italy to cover the pilgrimage. In fact, the way I pose while taking pictures distinguish me from other photographers.
What about your aspiration as regards the profession?
My dream is to see how I can use photography to promote tourism and also see governors empowering youths by sending them to Mattson Academy to learn photography. I equally want to do an exhibition to attract all sorts of investors and also, a book documentation of Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River State.
You got married recently, why did you choose to wed outside Lagos?
There are times when you don’t make decisions on your own. An example is when getting married and that is why it is regarded as a union. In such a situation, you and your wife must come to an agreement with both members of the families inclusive. So, it was as a result of my in-laws decision that I did it outside Lagos State. Celebrities like Femi Bright, Chuddy K and others were present. But the most important thing is that it was a successful marriage.
Don’t you think you missed other celebrities that would have attended it assuming you did it in Lagos State?
Yes, I did. But the truth is that the wedding is meant for my wife and myself with both families inclusive and not for friends. Although some of my friends came, those that couldn’t make it sent their messages. Nevertheless, we can still do after wedding party.
When actually did it take place and where?
The wedding held on Saturday, September 15, 2012, at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Benin City, Edo State while the reception held at Constantia Hotel, opposite Airport, Benin City, Edo State.
What attracted you to your wife?
It was her calmness and politeness. She also has a good heart.
How did your path cross?
I met her at 1004 Flats in Victoria Island, Lagos where I reside. She also lived there, although at another block with her elder sister. We met, discussed and agreed, the rest is what we are talking about now.
What was the impression when you introduced her to your parents?
They were very happy because they’ve always wanted me to get married. In fact, my wife was the greatest gift that I ever gave them.
What is your expectation as regards the marriage?
My expectation is to continue my friendship with her because she is my best friend. We also intend continuing in sharing the ideology we have. And last, raise a family people will be jealous of.
How many kids are we looking at?
It is God that gives children but man has to control it. We intend having two to three kids.
So far, how would you describe married life?
It is wonderful. In fact, it is the greatest thing I ever achieved. I will advise men that are not yet married to go and get their wives. It will only take them to get someone who they are compatible with.
What has changed about you since you got married?
Nowadays, I go home early. I think I am more defined and organized now.
Do you miss bachelorhood?
Not really because my business is my best friend even when I was a bachelor. I travel a lot and also do a lot of exhibitions abroad. The truth is that I don’t club, even before. So, there is nothing to miss about bachelorhood.
Where are you going for your honeymoon?
We would be spending our honeymoon in the United Kingdom, Dubai and Italy, come October, 2012.
The good Lord has been good to you, no doubt, what else do you want from Him?
The Lord is really good to me. But what I have achieved so far is just 20 per cent out of what I want to achieve in photography. I will only consider myself successful if I am able to set up an institute of photography or acquire chopper (an aircraft), so as to be able to shoot area photography.
‘My husband is a goal-getter’
- Peace Ibadin
How does it feel to be married to Matthew Ibadin?
It feels good.
How did your path cross?
We stay in the same estate, 1004 Estate. I used to stay in ‘C’ Block with my sister. I was on my way to church one Sunday morning when I met him. He was also going to church. So, he offered to give me a ride and that was it.
What was the attraction?
Actually, the first thing I saw in him is that he is God fearing. He is also honest and a gentleman. He is equally a goal getter.
How did he propose to you?
It was actually very romantic. We went to a restaurant and right there, he proposed to me.
How many kids are we looking at?
Minimum of two and maximum of three.
What are your expectations as regards the marriage?
I expect that we will raise a Godly home together. That is, a home that will be the envy of all.
Tell us your name and what you do for a living.
My name is Peace Ibadin (formerly Guobadia). I work with National Lottery Regulatory Commission, Lekki, Lagos. I am from Edo State.
- This story was first published in ENCOMIUM Weekly on Tuesday, September 25, 2012
