By Prosper Mene
Lagos, Nigeria – October 20, 2025 –
In a ceremony that blended romance, innovation, and the rhythmic pulse of Nigeria’s railways, Nollywood actor Shawn Faqua and his bride, Dr. Sharon Ifunanya Maduekwe, exchanged vows aboard a moving train, etching their names into the annals of Nigerian wedding history as the first couple to say “I do” on rails.
The white wedding, which tooka place yesterday aboard a specially decorated Lagos-Ibadan train departing from the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station in Alagomeji-Yaba, Lagos, transformed the locomotive into a rolling chapel of love. As the train chugged along the scenic route, guests, clad in elegant purple and sage green attire for the bridal party, witnessed the couple’s union under a canopy of floral arches and twinkling lights. Sharon, radiant in a high-neck lace gown with intricate beading and long sleeves, beamed as she declared, “Hey guys, we’re getting married on the train!” Shawn, ever the showman, added with a grin, “First ever! Breaking records!”
This choice of venue wasn’t just a spectacle; it symbolized the couple’s shared journey. “The train represents motion, progress, and the beautiful ride ahead,” a close friend of the couple told reporters, echoing the sentiment that has captivated social media.
The event quickly went viral, amassing thousands of views and congratulations from fans who hailed it as a “refreshing twist on Nigerian weddings.”
Even the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) joined the celebration, posting on social media: “History made—the first-ever wedding on a moving train in Nigeria. Proof that the journey can be just as beautiful as the destination.
The festivities capped a whirlwind weekend that began with a vibrant Igbo traditional wedding on Friday, where the couple donned multiple looks inspired by ’70s and ’80s nostalgia. Sharon stunned in a gold sequinned blouse paired with a red hollandaise wrapper and beaded headwrap, while Shawn complemented her in a dark awuru ensemble with isiagu prints and cowrie-adorned cap. The bridal party, including Sharon’s bridesmaids in coordinated cultural attire, served as a testament to sisterhood and heritage, with the hashtag #OgeIfunanya trending as guests danced to highlife tunes and partook in the symbolic wine-carrying rite.
Their love story, one of “divine timing,” began at a worship event in October 2024, where Shawn, a devout actor known for roles in films like The Black Book, caught Sharon’s eye while leading prayers. What started as a spiritual connection blossomed into romance, grounded in faith and mutual respect. By January 2025, Sharon casually mentioned her dream of a train ride, a whim that Shawn turned into magic. On May 31, 2025, during a surprise excursion on the very same rails, he proposed, kneeling amid the countryside views. “It felt so right,” the couple shared in pre-wedding reflections.
Sharon, 30 (born November 19, 1994), is no stranger to the spotlight herself. A trailblazing entrepreneur from Anambra State, she serves as CEO of Shamol Experience Limited and POSÈ Global, curating events with the same flair that defined her nuptials. Known online as Akwa Ugoo, she holds a doctorate and has mentored countless women in personal branding. This marriage marks her second; she openly shared how her previous union ended amicably at her ex-husband’s initiation, viewing it as a chapter that paved the way for true partnership with Shawn. At 37, Shawn brings his charismatic energy from the screen to real life, with the duo’s chemistry evident in every shared glance.
The star-studded affair drew Nollywood heavyweights like Stan Nze and his wife Blessing Obasi, as well as Buchi Franklin, who filled the train cars with laughter and toasts.
Social media erupted with reactions, from awe at the creativity—”Who else is booking a train for their vow renewal?”—to nods at its subtle nod to Nigeria’s reviving rail infrastructure.
One netizen quipped, “Nigerian weddings just leveled up, next stop, space?” while others praised the eco-friendly vibe of a venue that minimized traffic chaos.
As the train pulled into Ibadan for the reception, the couple stepped off hand-in-hand, ready for their honeymoon. “From faith to forever, we’re just getting started,” Shawn posted, with Sharon adding heart emojis.
