After six children, Zimbabwean-based Nigerian businessman Anselem Oguamanam has married his Zimbabwean lovebird, former Miss Masslin Munemo, at the Christ the King Catholic Chaplaincy, Alvan Ikoku, Shell Camp, Owerri in Imo State. JUDE ISIGUZO was there.
The Christ the King Catholic Chaplaincy, Alvan Ikoku, Owerri Municipal Council in Imo State, bubbled from dawn to dusk on December 28. It was the day Anselem Oguamanam and former Miss Masslin Munemo couple formalised their union after 14 years.
Though their relationship has produced six children, it did not stop the lovebirds from tying the nuptial knot officially.
The church auditorium was ornately decorated. Various lightings used for the Christmas service still adorned the walls of the church.
On the right side of the church was the choir, dishing out inspirational songs. The congregation that included guests from the United States, United Kingdom, China, South Africa, Zimbabwe, danced to the choir’s music.
For those visiting Nigeria for the first time, especially the bride’s family members, they were enthralled by the choir’s performance. They could not resist dancing to the music.
The solemnisation began immediately the officiating minister, Revd. Father Christian Iwuagwu, mounted the podium.
The amiable groom stood tall, waiting for his lovebird.
Oguamanam looked stunning in grey suit, a purple shirt, sky blue tie with a touch of red; a silver wrist watch and matching pair of shoes.
Behold, the woman of the day, Masslin catwalked into the auditorium with her father, Mr Jackson Munemo.
Clad in a white flowing gown, beautiful pieces of jewellery dangled from her head, ears and neck; she wore a pair of silver shoes.
There was pin-drop silence in the hall with the pianist.
She was handed over to Oguamanam before Revd. Iwuagwu began the marital rites.
The cleric declared the lovebirds husband and wife after they had said “I do”.
The church erupted in shouts of halleluiah!
The couple, their parents and witnesses signed the marriage certificate.
Recessional hymns were sung as the bridal train filed out.
The train moved to the newly opened Ikemba Odumegwu Ojukwu Centre, new Owerri, for the reception.
There was a photograph session with family members, friends, business associates and well-wishers.
Revd. Iwuagwu said the opening prayer before handing the microphone to the Founder, Redeemed House of God, Harare in Zimbabwe, Pastor Nick Ohizu.
Pastor Ohizu urged the couple to support and encourage each other as that was the only way to achieve a successful union.
Chairman on the occasion Mr Henry Onukwugha, from the United States, congratulated the couple.
Onukwugha, a lawyer, enjoined them to learn more about each other’s tradition.
This, he said, would aid mutual understanding.
There were toast and cutting of the cake before the couple stepped onto the dance floor.
A Disk Jockey (DJ) played Nigerian, Zimbabwean and South African music. The couple thrilled the audience with spectacular dance steps as if they had trained for a long time.
An elated Masslin described the day as her happiest.
She said:”Getting married to a Nigerian is the best thing that has happened to me. If given the opportunity, I will do it over and over again.”
She promised to encourage other single Zimbabwean women to marry Nigerian men.
“My husband is caring, soft spoken and hard-working. He knows how to make his woman happy and loved. At first, it was difficult but with time things started falling into shape,” she said.
The Director at Cen Michaels Investment Limited told The Nation how she met her husband.
She said: “He came to supply goods to one of his customers who has an office in my father’s shopping complex in Harare. I did not know he was looking at me; he collected my telephone number from a close friend and called me to express his interest and that was how the courtship began.”
Oguamanam, a former president-general of Imo community in Zimbabwe, noted that it was his wife’s extraordinary qualities that attracted him to her.
He said: “I cannot break it down but she is every good thing put together. We got close and began to know each other better; I know she was the one for me. We were in courtship for about three to four years before we finally decided to get married. What is happening here, today, is the official handing over in the presence of God”.
Among the dignitaries that graced the occasion were Mrs Prisca Mupfumira and Mrs Lucy Mombeshora, both bride’s aunts from Harare; Afam Okeke from China; Gauis Nwaiwu from UK; David Oguamanam, the groom’s uncle from the United States; Edison Pepsi from South Africa; Paschal Nwaolikaenyi; Ugo Sly; Chima Nwadike; Smith Okonkwo; Simbarashe Chakare and Tinashe Mashitamoyo from Harare, Zimbabuwe and Chairman, Ogwa Community in Harare, Elder Bright Ike.
