When Tamilore*(23) and Semilore*(22) met during their university registration in 2017, they had no idea their chance encounter would turn into a life-defining friendship. But something about that day — and their matching energy — stuck. From rescuing each other in uncomfortable situations to navigating heartbreak, relocation and marriage, the two women believe their bond has always been God-ordained.
In this story, they talk about knowing they were meant to be in each other’s lives, surviving the pain of separation, navigating marriage, distance and life changes, and why their friendship still feels like the safest place in the world.
This is Tamilore and Semilore’s story, as told to Adeyinka
Tamilore: I can’t remember the exact date, but it was September 2017, our first day in university. It was a new environment, and I didn’t know anyone. At the registration point, I noticed this girl surrounded by three guys. And I just thought, “Isn’t today resumption? How does she already know so many people?” I didn’t realise one of them was her brother.
I was still observing her when she walked up to me, smiled and said hi. She told me she was also in 100 level. I remember being stunned; she was so warm, so confident. It was the cutest thing I’d ever seen. Honestly, Semilore was the most excited fresher I’d ever met. I didn’t realise it then, but I’d just met my platonic soulmate. After that quick chat, we went our separate ways.
Semilore: That was the exact day I saw her, too. I came in with my brother and his friends, and the first thing I noticed was this really pretty girl. She also had this sweet accent, so everyone turned whenever she spoke to the hall admins. You couldn’t miss her.
When I saw her, I heard the Holy Spirit say, “That girl is your friend.” I didn’t know it was the Holy Spirit then, but the voice was clear. So I walked up to her, introduced myself, asked for her room number and gave her mine. I forgot hers almost immediately, but I knew we’d meet again.
Tamilore: We met again that same day. I went to get food, and there she was again with a large group of people. At that time, I still didn’t know they were her brother and his friends, so I kept thinking, “This babe is really connected oh.”
Then she saw me and came to say hi again, still with the same level of energy. The hug came naturally, and it felt like meeting someone with the same spirit as mine.
Semilore: It was later that night I saw her again when my brother took me to say hi to some people. And I was wondering, “Does she even remember me?” I walked up to her and asked, and she did. That’s when she also realised the guy I was with earlier was actually my brother.
We gisted more and returned to our hostel together that night. That’s when the friendship properly began.
Tamilore: We just clicked. After that day, we started doing everything together — classes, food runs, everything. People would ask if we’d known each other before uni because our bond was that tight. But it just felt easy and natural. We became so attached to each other that it felt like we couldn’t function separately.
Semilore: I think what really deepened the friendship for me happened a few days after the first night we met. We’d joined this group chat for freshers, and even though we were still new to each other, I noticed Tamilore didn’t follow the crowd. She had her own mind. That stood out.
Then one evening, I saw a guy disturbing her outside the cafeteria. He was dragging her hand even though she was clearly saying no. I watched for a while, then I thought, “Nah. I have to intervene.”
I walked up and said, “Tamilore, I’ve been looking for you. Are we not supposed to be doing something?” I took her hand and dragged her away. Even when the guy followed us, I stood my ground. She was so confused because we hadn’t even made any plans. But I told her I’d noticed she was uncomfortable and just had to do something. That was the moment we moved from acquaintances to real friends.
Tamilore: I’d actually forgotten that moment, but now I remember how shocked I was. I was so close to screaming, and I didn’t know what to do. She swooped in like a literal angel. It wasn’t just relief I felt, it was peace. I hadn’t even asked for help, but she saw me. That moment meant everything.
Semilore: I’ve had friends before Tamilore, but this felt different. Before I got into university, I prayed. I was just 14 at the time and scared. I didn’t pray for good grades or money, I just asked God for one genuine friend. That’s all I wanted.
So when I saw her that day and heard that voice in my head, I didn’t even hesitate. I now realise that was God answering me. That’s why this friendship has felt so sacred. There’s been no jealousy, competition, or betrayal — just ease.
Tamilore: Same. I’ve had good friends too — people I still love and speak to — but the friendship with her felt completely different. I’m not someone who’s constantly in touch. I disappear from time to time, and most people know that. But with Semilore, I found someone I could be vulnerable with from day one. No performance, no filter.
It was so intense that at some point, I had to ask myself, “Am I maybe queer?” I wasn’t, I just loved her deeply. Still do. It’s hard to describe, but it felt like God handpicked her for me; a literal soul connection.
Semilore: I keep telling my husband that if I were a lesbian, I’d have married Tamilore.
Tamilore: We even joked about it at some point, wishing we were both gay so we could just be together forever. But it’s never been romantic, just a kind of love you don’t find twice.
Semilore: The first real heartbreak in our friendship came when she left. She’d only spent one semester in our school. I kept asking if she was resuming during the holidays, and she kept dodging the question. One day, I confronted her and said, “You’re not coming back, are you?” She confirmed it, and I cried my eyes out.
Tamilore: We both cried. I hadn’t planned to leave, but I didn’t really have a choice. I’d transferred from another uni where the law programme was not accredited. My dad later discovered that my original first-choice school, much closer to home, had actually given me admission. I had to take it. It wasn’t an easy decision at all.
Semilore: Tamilore didn’t tell me because she knew she was my only close friend. When she finally admitted it, I asked where she was going, and when she said Benin, which was my place of residence, I felt some peace. But returning to school without her was hard. It felt like everyone was watching me to see how I’d cope. Even though it came from a place of concern, it felt like mockery sometimes.
Still, I understood that she was also alone where she was. That realisation helped me deal with the loneliness. We kept in touch, and our bond only grew stronger.
Tamilore: Honestly, it all worked out for us. I don’t even see her as a friend anymore. She’s my sister.
Then in 2022, Semilore had to relocate. That was another test of our friendship. The time difference really tried us. But we were intentional about maintaining what we had. We set aside time for check-ins and had an unspoken agreement: if either of us calls at an odd hour, the other must answer because it probably means there’s an emergency. That rule helped us stay connected even across continents.
And then she got married. That was another emotional shift. I often have to remind myself of the need to respect certain boundaries, even though we’re still as close as ever. We’ve always told our partners, “We’re a buy one, get one free package.” They know we’re not going anywhere. Her husband treats me like her sister, and my partner treats her like mine. It’s honestly the cutest thing.
I remember calling her during the first week of her marriage, and her husband picked up. I screamed, “Semilore, there’s a man in your room!” Then I paused and went, “Oh my God, you’re married now.” Life is life-ing, but our bond keeps blossoming through it all.
Semilore: Tamilore has been my diary. She’s the first person I run to, whether it’s good news, bad news…anything. And even though life has taken us on different paths, our hearts have stayed in sync. We’ve actually tried to pair our lives together at different points — same uni that didn’t work, same law school that didn’t happen. We even tried to relocate together. Life just kept saying “no.” But despite all of that, we’ve always chosen each other. Everything that’s tried to tear us apart has only strengthened our friendship.
Tamilore: I like to think we’re beyond soulmates. If there’s something deeper than that, then that’s what we are. The future of our friendship? One word: safety. I want our kids to grow up together, and our husbands to be best friends. Semilore is still patiently waiting for me to marry. Fingers crossed.
Semilore: Growing up, my mum had a best friend we all called Aunty. I thought she was my mum’s blood sister until I was a teenager. That’s what Tamilore will be to my kids: their Big Mummy. They’ll never know we’re not related by blood. Because truly, this is family.
Tamilore: The best part about being friends with Semilore is the assurance that I’ve found a home in another human being. With her, I don’t have to perform. I can be soft, loud, broken, or confused, and never feel judged. I’ve found my person, and there’s so much peace in that.
Before our friendship, I struggled with assertiveness. I was always scared to speak up or express what I truly felt. But watching Semilore be her most honest, graceful self taught me that it’s okay to take up space as long as I do it kindly. I’m a lot more confident today because of her.
Semilore: I don’t even know if I’ve told you this, Tamilore. But meeting you changed how I relate with God. I’ve always been a Christian — born into a Christian home — but I never had a personal relationship with God until you came into my life. You’re the first friend I’ve ever had who prays with me on the phone. Even when we’re physically together, we still pray.
You’re such a light, Tamilore. I love you so much. I’m so grateful for your life and for how God used you to shape mine. I pray we achieve everything we’ve dreamed of and do it together.
Tamilore: Now you want to make me cry. But yes, all glory to God. Amen to all your prayers. I love you more, mama. Thank you for being my home, too.
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the subjects.
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