The Nation Newspaper

Category: Society

  • What’s your excuse?

    When Borislav and Dusanka Vujicic were told they would have a baby, they could hardly contain their joy. It was a dream come true. The pregnancy period was full of joyful anticipation. When it was finally time, on December 4, 1982, Dusanka delivered her wonderful baby, or so she thought until she asked the nurses about the health of her son and they couldn’t respond. When she directed the same question to the doctor, he revealed that the baby had a Phocomelia syndrome. She had worked as a midwife, so she knew what the term meant. The baby had a rare disorder resulting in the absence of arms or legs! Shocked, she refused to see the baby or hold him when the nurse held him out to her. She couldn’t understand how three sonograms did not reveal any complication. Eventually, Borislav and Dusanka accepted their son’s condition and raised the child as a dedicated Christian.

    However, this article is not about Borislav and Dusanka; it is about Nicholas James “Nick” Vujicic, the limbless child. The parents might have overcome their initial shock and accepted Nick but he had his entire life ahead of him. As a child, Nick struggled mentally, emotionally and physically. He battled with loneliness, depression and bullying. He consistently wondered why he was different from other children. Finally, he came to terms with his condition and found his strength in God. Gradually, he converted his obvious limitations to his greatest asset. He found his purpose in giving hope to the hopeless.

    Stop to think for a moment. You have hands and feet you are practically taking for granted. You stand and walk without even thinking. You eat with ease. You comb your hair. You type on your computer. You use your phones. Imagine for a while the limitations you would encounter without your hands and feet. Someone else would rather be dead than live like that but not Nick.

    Without hands and feet, Nick Vujicic graduated from Griffith University at age 21 with a Bachelor of Commerce. He had his first speaking engagement at age 19 and has since spoken more than 3, 000 times. Nick has spoken in more than 57 countries on five continents and has met with several government officials and presidents. He founded a motivational speaking company, Attitude is Altitude. He is also a Christian evangelist. Nick also starred in a short film that won an award at a film festival. He has appeared on several TV shows and has authored several books. More importantly, he is happily married with two children.

    Out of curiosity, I watched some of Nick Vujicic’s videos on YouTube and could not believe my eyes when I saw him swimming, playing gulf, typing, surfing and skydiving. I couldn’t help but wonder what else Nick would have done if he had hands and feet! Obviously, he is not allowing anything to limit him while we are busy looking for reasons why we can’t achieve our goals. Here are a few lessons I learnt from Nick:

    • Life may not be fair but it is waiting for our response. It is not what life is that matters but how we react to it.
    • Never live a life that is dependent on people. Stand on your feet and take responsibility for your life. You are not a liability but an asset.
    • Never settle for an average life when you can be the best. If Nick merely survived, we would have commended him for perseverance. However, he went far beyond that; be became a reason for others to hope.
    • Life and circumstances only suggest limitations to you; you are the one that imposes the limitations on yourself.
    • You can find your purpose in your situation, no matter how tough.
    • You may be rejected by many but you are someone’s masterpiece.

    I believe there are several people out there who have beat the odds to achieve the impossible. It may be as simple as passing an examination people said was impossible to pass or as complex as surviving a terminal medical condition. This article is dedicated to you. Please comment below or send me a message and I will share your story on this page. Other people need to know that IT IS POSSIBLE!

  • No, No… Yes!

    Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706 as one of the seventeen children of Josiah Franklin. Though his father wanted him to school with the clergy, there was only enough money for Benjamin to go to school for two years. He had to continue his education through personal voracious reading. At the age of 12, Benjamin became a printing apprentice with his brother James who founded The New-England Courant three years later.  Benjamin wanted to seize the opportunity of his apprenticeship to write a letter for publication in his brother’s newspaper but it was denied. Therefore, he created the fictitious name, Mrs. Silence Dogood, a middle-aged widow, and wrote letters to the paper. Not only were the letters published, they became subjects of conversations in town.

    Benjamin Franklin later achieved outstanding feats such as becoming one of the founding fathers of the United States of America but those are not the focus of this article. Our focus is that he did not allow a “no” to keep him from achieving his goal. Those letters written by “Mrs. Silence Dogood” are today valuable pieces of the American history.

    Several people’s lives have been marred by the “no” responses they received. They have chosen to be discouraged and have given up because someone said “no”. You must learn that when people say “no” to you, it doesn’t mean you are worthless. It is an evidence of their slowness or outright failure to recognise your worth. If one person does not see it, another person will. I don’t know how long you have to keep going until you find someone who appreciates your talent; all I know is that you have to try the next person.

    You think you are the only one who has been rejected? Try this for size. William Golding wrote his first novel, Lord of the Flies, and hoped to have a good career in writing. The novel was, however, rejected 20 times before it was published. Even after it was published in 1954, only 3,000 copies were sold. Amazingly, it has been adapted to film twice, was listed by TIME magazine in 2005 among the 100 best English-Language novels from 1923-2005, and William Golding won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1983. I wonder what would have happened if he gave up after his 19th “no”.

    Gone with the Wind, written by Margaret Mitchell, was rejected 38 times before publication in 1936. By 1937, the author had received the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for the novel and a National Book Award from the American Bookesellers Association. Gone with the Wind polled twice (in 2008 and 2014) as the second favourite book among American readers after the Bible. The novel was adapted to film in 1939 and it received 10 awards at the 12th Academy Awards, setting a record that took a while to beat. It also became the highest-grossing film produced up to that time and held the record for another 25 years. Can you imagine how all these would have been lost if Margaret gave up and kept the draft under her pillow?

    The stories of those who persevered until they succeeded are the ones that inspire us; no one is motivated by the story of those who gave up. We may not be able to control other people’s reactions towards us but we can determine our response. Why should someone who is too blind to recognise your talent rob generations unborn the blessing of the gift you have inside you? Surf on the ‘No” until you get a “Yes”.

     

    Dr. Amodu teaches at the Department of Mass Communication, Covenant University, Ogun State.

     

  • What is your greatest asset?

    A major element of success in life is not having assets but becoming an asset. To become an asset, you have to keep learning. According to D. A. Benton, the author of How to Act Like a CEO, “Every day that you aren’t getting stronger and better, you’re getting weaker and worse”. Where you are now and what you can do are functions of your current level of knowledge and skill; if you want to do better, you have to add something extra. The tragedy of life occurs when people don’t want to give up their leisure, yet they want to be rich or great; students don’t want to study extra hard, yet they want to pass. You must be willing to give up something for your dream. John Maxwell puts it this way, “There are two paths people can take. They can either play now and pay later, or pay now and play later. Regardless of the choice, one thing is certain. Life will demand a payment”. Here are a few things you should know about learning:

    • You can’t bring something out of nothing: as far as information is concerned, you can’t give what you don’t have. There is an African saying that what you don’t know is superior to you. That is why some people get results sooner than some others- they know what others don’t know. If you find yourself struggling at a spot and you find it impossible to make progress, you probably need to acquire more knowledge.
    • Don’t get over confident: it is dangerous to claim to know too much too soon. When you believe you know all there is to know, then you have achieved all there is to achieve. The quest for more knowledge is what leads to progress. It is impossible to learn from a teacher you are superior to. The moment you consider yourself superior to all, the learning process in your life has ended.
    • Have a deposit policy: you must decide to consistently feed your mind with the kind of information that can create the kind of future you want. Whatever you want to achieve, some people have gone ahead of you; why not learn from them so that you can surpass their records? It is from the abundance of the heart that the mouth speaks. Asleigh Brilliants states that “Learning a little every day soon puts you far behind whoever is learning a lot every day”. What, then, is the fate of someone who does not learn at all?
    • Protect your mind: my favourite book says that above everything you can ever guard in your life, guard your heart because from it flows the wellspring of life. Why do people guard their money, houses, jobs, etc, and they leave their hearts unprotected? Why do people read things, watch things and listen to things that corrupt, distract, depress or discourage them? Whatever seed is planted in your heart manifests in your life and around you. If you want to find out how you arrived at where you are today, evaluate what you have been feeding your mind on.
    • Be flexible: some of my students have asked me over the years, “Why do we go to school if we don’t always end up practicing what we studied in school?” I usually tell them, “we may not teach you what you feel you need to know but we teach you how to source for information, interpret it and use it to solve problems- a skill you can apply to whatever you choose to do in life”. There is no “once-and-for-all” information in life, we must keep learning. According to Alvin Toffler, “The illiterate of the 21st century will not be those who cannot read and write, but those who cannot learn, unlearn, and relearn”.
  • 70 cheers to a prince

    70 cheers to a prince

    A thanksgiving service was held on Tuesday for the former Permanent Secretary with the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Physical Planning, Prince Adelaja Omofade, as he turned 70. NNEKA NWANERI was in his Ikeja home for the event.

    Attaining the age of 70 was something Prince Adelaja Omofade, the Omogbadero of Owu in Abeokuta, has looked forward to for a long time. He waited anxiously to join the league of septuagenarians, and when he did last Tuesday, he rolled out the drums, leaving no stone unturned in celebrating the milestone.

    Everyone rallied around him. His friends, former classmates in Ahmadiyya College, Agege, Lagos; his associates and family members ensured he had a memorable outing.

    The morning showers gave room for a bright and clement afternoon; setting the pace for what turned out to be an exciting ceremony in his Ikeja home. There wasn’t a dull moment and the Yoruba Communion Service organised by the African Church, Ilupeju, Lagos was spirit-filled and invigorating.

    The birthday ‘boy’ could not hide his joy. He moved around and received wishes and gifts from his guests who were decked in gold attires and green cap/gele to match.

    Having served the Lagos State government for 35 years before retiring as a Permanent Secretary in 1999, Prince Omofade acknowledged that the success of his career was due to the peace he had at home. He also noted that having three children and six grandchildren at his age is worthy of giving thanks to the Almighty.

    “As a Christian, and like King David, this party is a way to give thanks to God and recognise the needy and others in the community. After all, I can’t live another 70 years no matter how I try,” he told The Nation.

    He gave the secret of his good looks to the special attention he gives to his spirituality; his health and daily exercises and also advised the youth to be close to God by raising their families in the proper Christian way so that eternity will not be denied them.

  • Honour for role models

    Honour for role models

    The Hallmarks of Labour Foundation held the 20th anniversary of its Role Model Awards at the Lagos Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island last Sunday. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

    It had all the trappings of a banquet- talk of a classical opera performance, a green lit stage, a dozen or more chandeliers dropping from the ceiling; dinner set table and one eloquent speaker or the other.

    It was all these and more on Sunday evening at the Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos, where eminent Nigerians were recognised for their contribution to national development and for blazing trails in their various endeavours.

    Elder statesmen; a hall packed full of octogenarians; politicians; literary giants; legal luminaries and the young ones were not left behind in the ceremony.

    Former Secretary to the Commonwealth, Chief Emeka Anyaoku, who chaired the occasion, said the annual award was to project people of the black race who have achieved success through hard work and integrity in their various endeavours, and to also showcase them as role models worthy of emulation by the younger generation.

    This, he added, will allow for a positive attitude among Nigerians and help Nigeria become a decent society that will attract pride in the comity of nations. He thanked HLF for its philanthropic activities that have changed the lives of many over the years.

    Also, Anyaoku said since the inception of the award series in 1996, 43 deserving Nigerians have received the reward and that Prof Ibrahim Gambari is the best candidate for this endowment award.

    Chairman Board of Trustees of the Foundation, Emeritus Prof Umaru Shehu, also added that over the past 20 years, HLF has done well and will keep rewarding the younger generation with worthy recognitions.

    Former Chief Justice of Nigeria Mariam Aloma Mukhtar bagged the Foundation’s Life Time Achievement Award for exemplary leadership in the advancement of the Nigerian legal system while Professor Ibrahim Gambari went home with the Emeka Anyaoku award for Nigeria’s most Outstanding International Icon.

    Others were: former Lagos governor Alhaji Lateef Jakande for Excellence for Leadership and Good Governance; Prof Itse Sagay (SAN) for Exemplary/ Courageous Service to the advancement of Legal Service; Emeritus Prof Njidda Gadzama got the Umaru Shehu award for the most consistent Advocate for Positive Change in the University System; and the Role Model for Business Management, Administration and Accounting in Nigeria went to Mrs Olutoyin Olakunrin. Lumen Christi International School, Uruomi in Edo State got the award for best performing school in the 2014 WASSCE.

    Prof Sagay, in response, described the award as the pinnacle of his writing achievements, while Alhaji Jakande, whose senile voice and structure was no match to his personality pulled the audience to a rousing applaud on their feet.

    In attendance were: Erelu Abiola Dosunmu; former First Ladies of Lagos Dame Abimbola Fashola and Princess Sarah Sosan; Edo Chief Rita Lori Ogbebor; Prof Ben Nwabueze; Mrs Pricilla Kuye; Prof John Pepper Clark; Prof Grace Alele Williams; Vanguard Publisher Sam Amuka Pemu; Prof Umaru Shehu; Isemede of Warri Chief Brown Mene; Prof Oladipo Akinkugbe; Mrs Francesca Emmanuel and Yeye Oge of Lagos Chief Opral Benson among others.

  • Union of lovebirds

    Union of lovebirds

    The union of former Miss Omoyeni Ebunoluwa Oladiji, a Law graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University and member of the staff of Adekunle Omotola and Co, a real estate and property law firm on Victoria Island, Lagos and Mr Nathaniel Olawale Adewunmi, of Candel Limited, was held at The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus Sanctuary in Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos. KEHINDE ONIFADE reports.

    Everyday  for former Miss Omoyeni Ebunoluwa Oladiji, has been memorable since she met Olawale Adewunmi. They have been communicating on daily basis since The 2014 Experience, which is an annual praise concert in Lagos, but they met for the first time later that month at the Christmas carol of Harvesters Christian Centre, Gbagada, Lagos.

    Their love story began in January 2015, and since then, life has not been the same for the lovebirds. They counted down every second when they will be together. In August last year, Olawale proposed to Ebunoluwa in his house for fear  of being  rejected  if he had done it  in public.

    Alas, another chapter of their story began when they walked down the aisle of  The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Jesus Sanctuary in Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos to exchange marital vows.

    Pastor Remi Bankole officiated at the wedding and urged them to sustain their marriage by seeing their vow as a life time commitment. Pastor Seun Aderibigbe presented the marriage certificate.

    The Bellus Court Event Centre along Town Planning Way, Ilupeju, venue of the reception, was decorated in white and purple. Picture stands of the couple were placed at strategic spots of the hall.

    Mr Kayode Adebola chaired the event.

  • In the vineyard

    In the vineyard

    During the 1st Session of the 33rd Synod, the Diocese of  Lagos Anglican Communion held an Episcopal Awards Ceremony at Our Saviour’s Anglican Church, TBS, Lagos to climax the four-day activity. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

    The Lagos Diocese is the oldest in the country and many workers in the vineyard of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) return there for one business or the other.

    So it was from May 1to 4, when the church held its 1st Session of the 33rd Synod with the theme: Marks of the Church. At the opening service were 22 bishops and the following day, 36 Bishops were present to chat and take decisions about the future of the church and country.

    Activities were wrapped up with a lot of praise music, dance and merrymaking, when the church held its Episcopal Awards Ceremony.

    Clergymen were honoured at the event. They include: Diocesan Bishop of Ideato and Archbishop of Owerri, Rev Caleb Maduoma; Bishop of Ibadan North, Rev Segun Okubadejo; Bishop of Ijebu North, Rev Solomon Gbetogo Kuponu; Bishop of Awori, Rev Johnson Akinwamide Atere; Diocesan Bishop of Awka, Rev Alexander Chibuzor Ibezim and Retired Bishop of Ifo, Rev Joseph Akinyemi Odejide.

    Deserving individuals were  also recognised, for their outstanding contribution to the development of the  church and country. They were: legal luminary Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Chief Tunde Afolabi among other church workers and philanthropic individuals.

    Others were: Ven Olumuyiwa Oyewole; Sir Clement Okeowo; Dr Ebi Omatsola; Chief Tunde Alabi, who offered scholarships to numerous students; Mr Emmanuel Olukoga; Mrs Funke Familoni; Dr Eric Sibeudu who gave free medical services to inmates; Bishop Ademowo’s Personal Assistant Mr Tunde Oyebiyi; Diosesan Account Officer, Mr J.A Oyapidan and Mrs Ruth Alabi.

    The ceremony began with hymns, prayers and the address by the Archbishop of Lagos, Rev Adebola Ademowo, who read reports of the churches under his dioceses and their achievements in the past year. He also gave the reason for the selection of the awardees and lauded them for their work, adding that the Bishops were picked across board, having a very strong link with the Diocese of  Lagos. He also said the award was to encourage people to give back to the church and serve without counting the cost.

    Ademowo advised all present to keep serving God, as He remains the greatest rewarder of those who diligently serve Him.

    Rev Maduoma, who spoke on behalf of the awardees, thanked the church for identifying their services. He expressed delight that the honour is a sign of what God will do for them later after their earthly labour. He said he was ordained priest in 1980 and became Bishop in 1999.

    “Today we are getting a bit of our heavenly reward and this is an encouragement to all to work hard.”

    Rev Odejide, who served in the Lagos Diocese decades ago and was Assistant Synod secretary for 12 years, had retired four years ago. He excitedly told The Nation he will still remain active in the work of God till death and advised the younger priests to be loyal, responsible and behave like shepherds who have been called to serve.

  • ‘Our classmates, our pride’

    ‘Our classmates, our pride’

    Members of the class of 6975, Igbobi College, have held a dinner at the Oriental Hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos, to honour three of their mates – Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (SAN); Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) Chairman  Babatunde Fowler and Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti. NNEKA NWANERI was there. 

    It was a beautiful and relaxing atmosphere at the Lagos Oriental Hotel, where the 1969-73/75 set of the Igbobi College gathered for a dinner. It was a reception in honour of three members of the set, who have distinguished themselves on the political terrain.

    The trio, once boys but now exceptional men and grandparents, hold high offices in the service of their fatherland.

    One of them is the number two citizen, Prof Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), whose track records show how exceptional he is and how his marks are indelible on the sands of time. The second is the Federal Inland Revenue boss, Tunde Fowler and the third, the Lagos Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Babatunde Durosinmi Etti.

    Many A list guests and well-wishers came with their wives and family members to make the modest old school gathering a ‘national affairs’. Ace stand-up comedian TeeA anchored the event.

    One of the wives of an old boy, Justice Toyin Ipaye of the Lagos High Court, offered the opening prayer after a hearty rendition of the National Anthem and the Igbobi College Anthem.

    The atmosphere was nostalgic; all felt good to see each other again.

    Chairman of the class Dr Biola Ajijola said their association and gathering began in 1982, and since inception 15 chairmen had held office.

    The sets administrator, Mr Seyi Taiwo, called everyone by their name to the amazement of all, and one after the other they stood up for recognition.

    The award began with the citation of the awardees.  Mr Folusho Phillips, who is the school’s  Old Boys’ Association President, proposed the toast.

    Responding on behalf of the recipients, Fowler thanked their teachers for tolerating their pranks and expressed delight that his brothers remembered to honour him.

    Prof Osinbajo relived fond memories of his school days and their mischief at the Ikoyi Park, now Park View Estate. He attributed his success to the discipline Durosinmmi-Etti’s mother gave to him. He recalled that Taiwo was the first person he spoke to when he joined the college.

    “This is a special honour and the dearest to my heart. We are as we are and know everything about each other.

    On behalf of the wives of the old boys, Justice Ipaye noted that she knew Igbobi before she got married, and was thrilled by the funny nicknames they had.

    “I knew the days of small beginnings; now, they have grown so robust. I admire the fact that they never leave anyone behind and they are one big happy family.

    “At least one Sunday in the month, we have confidence in where our husbands are, and that they are not up to some sort of mischief.”

  • A dinner for PF chief

    A dinner for PF chief

    The Prison Fellowship International held a dinner to welcome its International President and Chief Executive Officer Frank Lofaro at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja. Funds were raised for the association’s programmes, reports NNEKA NWANERI

    Though it was meant to be a dinner for the visiting International President of the  Prison Fellowship of Nigeria Frank Lofaro, it turned out to be a fund raiser for prisons’ inmates.

    The event, which held at the Lagos Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, was way off the normal merry making in many ways. Noticeable was the aura around the hall. People, instead of being in a relaxed mood looked too business minded. Not only this, their dresses depicted a business dinner outfit rather than the normal get-together. Lofaro was visiting the country for the first time. Perhaps it was because it was a working visit that made the host not to take cognisance of making the event elaborate.

    Lafaro was not alone. He was in company of other directors of the association. They were also joined by some executives and members of the country’s chapter of the body, who came to welcome their ‘August’ visitors.

    Ace flutist, Tee Mac, set the tune of the event with a rendition of the National Anthem with his flute, thus kicking off the event.

    President, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) Dr Rotimi Oladele, spoke on the need to care for prisoners, saying it should be the priority of every society that desires for peace and progress.

    Oladele, who is the Communication Director of PF Nigeria, said the group was established to stop or reduce the number of people who go to prisons, adding that the body ensures that by the time the inmates are released, they would have become better people than they were before imprisonment.

    “We are here to refine their mindset and get them back on track,” he said. He called on all to assist them by donating generously to PFN’s programmes.

    Chairman, Board of Trustees, PFN, Mrs Dorcas Din, who welcomed the executives of the global body to the country, listed the objectives of the organisation, which include teaching inmates societal values and some trades, in order to be useful to themselves and the society when they are discharged.

    PF Nigeria Executive Director, Mr Benson Iwuagwu, said there was the need to remove the stigma often associated with ex-convicts.

    There were testimonies from some ex-convicts. One of them said she learnt fashion designing during her incaceration.

    Comptroller-General of Prisons, who was represented by his deputy, Chuks Afujue, disclosed that the prisons are congested.

    He called for care and nurture for ex-convicts for them not to go astray.

    Afujue lauded the PFN’s initiative,  calling for support for the association.

  • ‘Treasure found in Nigerian girl’

    ‘Treasure found in Nigerian girl’

    The Bitaks Banquet Hall Okota Lagos hosted witnesses at the traditional marriage of Daily Telegraph, London journalist Mr Alexander James Robbins and a London Information Technology specialist, former Miss Onyinyechukwu Eno-Obon Pamela Nwabia. CHINAKA OKORO was there.

    The weather was clement. The sun shone from the clear azure sky. The cool breezy wind gently caressing the skin of guests who had gathered at the classy Bitaks Banquet Hall, Okota in Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State to witness the traditional marriage between Mr. 0Alexander James Robbins from Southampton, England in the United Kingdom (UK) and who is a senior journalist with London Daily Telegraph and former Miss Onyinyechukwu Eno-Obon Pamela Nwabia,who is a London-based IT specialist.

    One of the major features of Igbo traditional marriage is the public search for the prospective groom by the bride. With the palm wine in a native cup (mpi) which her father gave her, the bride and her retinue of maids, walked round the beautifully-decorated hall in search of the groom.

    She spotted him, knelt down, handed the cup of palm wine to him and he sips from it; and together they danced to where the bride’s parents were seated to present the man of her choice to them for parental blessings.

    Telling how their relationship began, Mr Robbins said they had known each other for a long time and that he came to Africa for the first time to pick a treasure.

    “I knew the treasure before but I came to find my treasure here in Nigeria,” he said.

    Describing his bride as very compassionate, very kind, very warm-hearted and very loving, Mr Robbins said: “We’ve been together for a very long time and she stood by me during difficult times. She is, of course, very beautiful. It’s mainly because of her kind-hearted nature, warmth and compassion that drew me to her. These are qualities any man looks for in a woman. I am lucky to be the one to discover these qualities. This informed my coming to Nigeria to find my bride who is an epitome of womanhood.”

    Corroborating the groom’s assertion, the bride said: “We’ve known each other for a long time; about six years now. We’ve been close to each other all this while and that’s why he came all the way from London to Nigeria to pick his bride.

    “He is equally kind-hearted, very respectful, and very supportive of everything I wish to do in life. That’s really essential in a relationship. He has very good communication skills, even as he is a great listener. But, most of all, he is very warm, compassionate and very appreciative of everything a person does in his life. I feel very lucky to have found him as a husband.”

    Speaking glowingly about their daughter-in-law, Mr and Mrs Tony Robbins said: “We are happy that our son is getting married to Onyinyechukwu. It is not that Alex could not get another lady but such lady may not be as nice as Onyi.”

    For Mr and Mrs Nwabia, it was a day all parents look forward to.

    “Our daughter is being loved by another man. That is a natural phenomenon. It is a good and fundamental day for us that our daughter is in the hand of somebody who loves her.”

    The highpoint of the event was the official hand-over of the bride to the groom and his parents by the bride’s parents.