Speaking on how they first met while they were at the Rivers state College of Education where she was pursuing her Nigerian Certificate of Education (NCE) and B.Ed while he was a lecture at the department of Biological science, First Lady Patience Jonathan said what attracted him to her was his religious background, and good looks..

"My first impression of him was of a tall, dark, handsome young man. I also found that he came from a good Christian home just like I did. His humble and gentle disposition caught my attention and most importantly, his intelligence".
Speaking on how they first met while they were at the Rivers state College of Education where she was pursuing her Nigerian Certificate of Education (NCE) and B.Ed while he was a lecture at the department of Biological science, First Lady Patience Jonathan said what attracted him to her was his religious background, and good looks..
"My first impression of him was of a tall, dark, handsome young man. I also found that he came from a good Christian home just like I did. His humble and gentle disposition caught my attention and most importantly, his intelligence".
Dame Jonathan, who married President Jonathan in 1993, said praying together and discussing everything together has been a sustaining force in their 21 year marriage.
"Both of us are from Christian homes and our complete trust is in Jesus Christ. We pray together as a family every morning. What keeps us together is that we are each others best friends and soul-mate. We discuss everything that comes up and advice each other accordingly. We depend on each other. We do not let the sun set on our grievances" she said
The couple are blessed with 4 children, a son Arewera Adolphus, Daughters Aruabi and Abayola and Faith Sakwe-Edwards, their foster daughter who had a grand wedding in April