In a moment that blended romance, creativity and bold symbolism, Nollywood actor Shawn Faqua and event planner Sharon Ifunanya Maduekwe have broken wedding norms by exchanging vows aboard a moving train — the first ceremony of its kind in Nigeria.

A Wedding That Moved

On Sunday, October 19, 2025, the Lagos‑Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway became the setting for an unforgettable wedding.

Departing from Mobolaji Johnson Train Station in the Alagomeji‑Yaba area of Lagos, one of the train’s coaches was transformed into an elegant venue on wheels.

The interior, normally utilitarian, was reimagined with floral décor, soft drapes, ambient lighting, and seating arranged to create an aisle through which the bride and groom would walk — all while the train rolled down the tracks.

As the train glided forward, family, friends, and select celebrities — including Stan Nze and Buchi Franklin— witnessed the couple’s vows, exchange of rings, and the moment they sealed their union with a kiss.

Tradition Meets Innovation

Prior to the train ceremony, Shawn and Sharon had honored an Igbo traditional marriage ceremony (Ịgba Nkwọ Nwanyi), marrying cultural roots with their daring new concept.

The train wedding thus became not just a statement of style, but also a metaphor: marriage as a journey — forward motion, shared direction, and mutual adventure.

By choosing a moving train, they literally placed their love in motion, making the journey part of the ceremony itself.

The choice also brought focus to Nigeria’s railway infrastructure — a backdrop rarely seen in such a glamorous light.

The Nation Applauds

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) embraced the event, praising the ingenuity behind the idea.

In a post on its X account, the NRC wrote: “From lovebirds to locomotives, we’re keeping things on track. History made — the first-ever wedding on a moving train in Nigeria. Proof that the journey can be just as beautiful as the destination. At NRC, every ride tells a story.”

The celebration quickly went viral, with Nigerians across social media applauding the couple’s boldness and originality.

Many see it as a sign of evolving wedding culture — pushing boundaries while honoring personal narratives.

A New Chapter for Wedding Culture in Nigeria

Weddings in Nigeria often come with set expectations: church halls, banquet settings, elaborate decors. But Shawn and Sharon’s train wedding opens a new page — one where couples can rethink tradition, experiment, and personalize in daring ways.

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Their union is not only a celebration of love, but also a showcase of ingenuity and creative possibility. It may well inspire others to seek new venues — on trains, rooftops, boats, or any place that tells their story.

As the train carried them into forever, Nigeria watched — and recorded a moment in history.