A Nigerian couple has made history by combining adventure, romance, and innovation. Actor Shawn Faqua and event planner Sharon Ifunanya Maduekwe have made history with Nigeria’s first train wedding.
The stunning ceremony took place on Sunday, October 20, 2025, aboard the Nigerian Railway Corporation’s (NRC) Lagos–Ibadan standard gauge train. As the train rolled out from the Alagomeji-Yaba station in Lagos, it carried not only passengers but also a wedding party unlike any the country had ever seen.
The couple transformed a train coach into a breathtaking venue complete with floral arrangements, soft lighting, and stylish décor. Guests were treated to a one-of-a-kind experience as they witnessed the couple exchange vows while the train gently glided through Nigeria’s picturesque landscape.
Music filled the air, laughter echoed through the carriages, and cameras captured every moment in motion.
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5 things to know about Nigeria’s first train wedding
1. It took place on a moving train from Lagos to Ibadan
The ceremony happened on October 20, 2025, aboard the NRC’s standard gauge railway. The couple said “I do” as the train moved from Alagomeji-Yaba in Lagos toward Ibadan, making it the first wedding ever held on a moving train in Nigeria.
2. The train was transformed into a stunning wedding venue
Instead of a hall or garden, the couple turned a train coach into an elegant space. The carriage was beautifully decorated with flowers, lights, and soft fabrics—creating a romantic and intimate atmosphere as guests enjoyed a scenic ride filled with music and laughter.
3. The couple behind the magic
Groom Shawn Faqua is one of Nollywood’s respected actors, known for his roles in films like Lagos Cougars and Mad About You. His bride, Sharon Ifunanya Maduekwe, is a creative event planner whose professional touch made the train wedding both flawless and memorable.
4. The Nigerian Railway Corporation gave it its blessing
Far from being just spectators, the Nigerian Railway Corporation officially celebrated the event. Their online congratulatory post praised the couple for making history—and subtly showcased the railway as a symbol of innovation and national pride.
In a social media post on X, the agency 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……
5. It has inspired a wave of creative wedding ideas
Since photos and videos of the ceremony surfaced online, Nigerians have been buzzing with excitement. Many praised the couple’s originality and boldness, while event planners see it as a sign that modern weddings are evolving beyond traditional venues. It’s safe to say: this “wedding on rails” might spark a whole new trend.
More than a social media sensation, Sharon and Shawn’s wedding marked a beautiful merging of romance and imagination. It challenged the norms of what Nigerian weddings can look like and celebrated love in its purest, most adventurous form.