Port Harcourt, Nigeria -The recently concluded Port Harcourt Married Retreat 2025, themed Romantic Spark, was a highly successful week-long program dedicated to strengthening marriages, rekindling love, and fostering stronger family foundations. The retreat brought together numerous couples from the region to participate in a series of activities designed to promote intimacy, health, financial stability, spiritual growth, and effective communication within marriages.
Program Overview
The retreat was structured to combine home-based activities with engaging in-person sessions, creating a comprehensive experience for participants.
Monday to Thursday: Home-Based Activities
The program commenced with couples engaging in guided activities from their homes. These included cooking and sharing meals together, exchanging heartfelt love notes, participating in prayer and devotional sessions, reminiscing about early relationship memories, and planning future dreams. These activities aimed to foster intimacy and connection gradually, setting the stage for the main events of the weekend.
Friday: Hotel Check-In and Fellowship Night
Participants checked into the designated retreat hotel on Friday evening. The night featured a welcoming atmosphere with a barbecue dinner, allowing couples to relax and socialize. The evening was further enriched by a romantic movie session and ice-breaking games designed to promote openness, bonding, and unity among couples.
Saturday: Educational and Recreational Activities
Saturday was the most comprehensive day of the retreat, comprising various classes, health talks, and social events:
- Morning Session:
- Aerobics and health checks, including blood pressure and blood sugar assessments, led by health professional couple, Chiburoma and Ijeoma Wodu. They also shared a health talk which emphasized the importance of mental and physical well-being.
- Class Sessions:
- Crucial Conversations: Effective communication beyond family responsibilities, focusing on nurturing the marital bond – By Gbenga and Regina Atolagbe
- The Conflict Date: Constructive approaches to resolving disagreements.
- Let’s Get It On (Sex & Intimacy): Open discussions on intimacy and rekindling passion.
- Room to Grow (Family): Building a strong family unit while raising children.
- Dreams: Supporting each other’s aspirations and future plans.
- Something to Believe In: Strengthening faith and shared spirituality.
Each session concluded with couples sharing affirmations of love, commitment, and encouragement, symbolized by sealing their words with a kiss—highlighting unity and renewed affection.
- Afternoon & Evening Activities:
- An advanced discussion on sex and intimacy addressed barriers and practical ways to enhance marital closeness – By James and Mary Orimafo
- Fun and bonding activities, including couple games and a Bible Trivia challenge, fostered laughter and learning.
- The day culminated with a glamorous poolside dinner, combining romance with fellowship and celebration.
Catering and Meals
Throughout the retreat, attendees enjoyed a variety of delicious meals, including breakfast, lunch, and buffet options. Special delicacies such as Asun goat meat and barbecue contributed to a festive atmosphere. The meals were generous, flavorful, and served to energize couples for the activities ahead.
Sunday: Thanksgiving Service
The retreat culminated with a heartfelt Thanksgiving service held at the church facility. Couples actively participated in leading the service, from ushering and singing to prayer and worship. This collective involvement fostered a warm, joyful, and memorable atmosphere, celebrating renewed love, strengthened marriages, and divine guidance. They also listened to an inspiring sermon on Building a God-fearing family by Kemi and Nneka Olufowobi.
Conclusion
The Port Harcourt Married Retreat 2025—Romantic Spark—was a memorable and impactful program. It provided couples with practical tools to nurture their relationships, deepen romance, and prioritize health and spirituality within their families. Participants left inspired, united, and equipped to maintain the Romantic Spark in their homes, setting a foundation for enduring love and happiness.
