Shawn Faqua and Sharon Ifunanya Maduekwe Make History with Nigeria’s First “Train Wedding”
Nollywood actor Shawn Faqua and his bride, event planner Sharon Ifunanya Maduekwe, have etched their names in Nigerian wedding history by holding a ceremony aboard a moving train, marking what is described as the country’s first wedding on a moving rail carriage.
Ceremony on the move
The unique wedding took place along the recently revitalised Lagos, Ibadan Standard Gauge Railway, departing from the Mobolaji Johnson Train Station in Alagomeji‑Yaba, Lagos.
One of the train coaches was transformed into an elegant wedding venue: floral décor, arranged seating, aisle runners, all within a moving carriage.
In viral clips from the event, the bride is heard saying, “Hey guys, we’re getting married on the train!” as the groom quips, “First ever! Breaking record!”
A union of tradition and innovation
Prior to the train ceremony, the couple held a traditional Igbo wedding ritual, affirming their cultural roots.
They then opted for the moving‑venue format for their white‑wedding celebration, signalling a blend of romance, creativity and modern flair. As one article notes, the train symbolised movement and progress, a metaphor for their new journey together.
Railways get a spotlight too
The event also brought attention to the role of Nigeria’s expanding rail infrastructure. The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) officially celebrated the wedding on social media:
“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.”
This coupling of love and transport innovation resonated with many who saw the event as a creative nod to progress and modernity.
Why this matters
The wedding sets a new precedent in how Nigerians may choose to celebrate major life‑events, not just with grandeur or tradition, but with novelty and experience.
It underscores how infrastructure (in this case, a train) can be repurposed for cultural expression and media‑worthy moments.
For the couple, it’s a bold statement: that their union is more than ceremony, it’s a journey in motion.