Category: Society

Obinna Kingsley, son of the Chairman and Chief Executive of Chisco Group of Companies, Chief Chidi Anyaebu, got married to his lovebird, former Miss Onyinye Peace Olie-Silas, at a colourful ceremony in Lagos last Saturday. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

The foggy and damp morning gave way to a sunny afternoon last Saturday as people headed for the St John’s Anglican Church in Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos for the wedding of Obinna Kingsley Anyaegbu and Oyinye Peace (nee  Olie-Silas).

Policemen lined the route to the church.

A black Range Rover pulled up at the church entrance. The groom stepped out in a blue suit, white shirt and a pair of eyeglasses. The bride arrived in an exotic car, looking charming.

“Isn’t she beautiful?” whispered an onlooker. The small church hosted the high and mighty from across the country.

The Bishop of the Diocese of Ihiala, Rt Rev Raph Okafor, led other officiating ministers. He counselled the couple to remain friends.

Quoting 1Peter 3:7, he described marriage as a beautiful creation of God.

“Live in fellowship by sharing both your material and spiritual things. This leads to openness and bears the fruit of trust,” he said.

The couple walked out of the church locking arms and smiling to the crowd.

At the Landmark Event Centre on Victoria Island where the reception held, the scent of rose filled the air. The backround lightnings added colour to the surrounding.

The couple’s parents entered the hall, dancing with family members, friends and associates. Their fathers wore the same colour and style of suit; their mothers were in dinner gowns, with feathered hats to match.

The Sharp Band DJ Stramborella, the Alli Orchestra and comedian AY entertained guests.

There were choice dishes and drinks to pick from. There were local and intercontinental dishes, including Igbo traditional delicacies.

On July 12, the Igba Nkwu – traditional wedding rites was held in Afube Town Hall in Amichi, Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State, the Olie-Silas’ home town.

The reception to welcome Onyinye into her new home was grand. Indians, Lebanese and Americans graced the occasion.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who chaired of the occasion, was represented by Prof George Obiazor, Nigerian’s former Ambassador to the United States (US). He described Anyaegbu as a brother in whom the family is well pleased.

In proposing the toast, the groom’s younger brother, Chidi told guests that he introduced Onyinye to his brother. He expressed joy that his brother took her to the altar. Wishing the couple a blissful marriage, he said those who want to get married should contact him.

Dignitaries at the event were: the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; former governor of Anambra Peter Obi; Diamond Bank Managing Director Dr Alex Otti; Chief Peter Okocha; Director-General of Security Exchange Commission, Ms Arunma Oteh; former Secretary of the Commonwealth Emeka Anyaoku; Prof Anya O. Anya; Chief Chris Uba; President of Aka Ikenga Chief Goddy Uwazurike; Chief Executive Officer of Orange Drugs Sir Tony Ezenna; Chief Mike Umeh; Senator Florence Ita-Giwa; Mike Igbokwe (SAN) and Prof Pat Utomi. The First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan sent a representative.

A send forth has been held for Director of Finance and Administration in the Lagos State Local Government Establishment, Training and Pension Office, Mrs Samiat Mumuni and Director of Establishment Durojaiye Jamiu Baruwa at Old Secretariat, Ikeja, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

They have lots in common; no wonder their combination was awesome in service. Their bosses spoke glowingly about their dedication to duty; colleagues were envious of their achievements while the junior colleagues highly revered them – many wish they still have more years to spend in service.

But, alas! The duo have reached their retirement age in the civil service.

Mrs Samiat Omolara Mumuni, a tall, light complexion and charming woman and handsome Durojaiye Jamiu Baruwa have been friends for over 40 years. The duo went to the same school – Ahmadiyya College, Agege where Mrs Mumuni shone like a million stars.

Mrs Mumuni, who retired from Lagos State Civil Service as Director Finance and Administration in Local Government Establishment, Training and Pension Office and her late husband, Mujeeb Adekunle Mumuni, were the only students to have performed the Holy Pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. The rare feat made them toast of all, and loved by many.

The mother of three and Baruwa began their civil service career in Local Government Service in Lagos Island. Both of them spent 37 meritorious years in service before jointly retired in the Local Government Establishment, Training and Pension Office last month.

The office organised a send forth for them at the Establishment’s Hall, Old Secretariat, Ikeja.

An elated Mrs Mumuni came with large crowd, too many for the hall to contain; they include her family members, members of the Nasrul lahi li Fathi Society of Nigeria (NASFAT) and National Council of Women’s Societies (NCWS), where she is a staunch member and top civil servants.

Baruwa’s guests were also impressive. They were led by his wife, Mopelola.

Shortly after the guests’ settled down, the event began with a light music in the background while waiters served snacks with choice drinks.

Welcoming the gathering, Local Government Establishment, Training and Pension Office Permanent Secretary Mr Jamiu Adewale Ashimi, described the duo as wonderful administrators.

According to Ashimi, a year working relationship with Baruwa was more than pleasant.

“I relied on his knowledge on local government administration; I am missing him already. May be we should get him as a consultant. It is not easy being in the service for almost four decades and come out with your head high. He is a gentle man and easy going,” Ashimi said.

On Mrs Mumuni, the Permanent Secretary called her “Mama Eto.”

“I started missing her the second day she commenced her leave; she is always the first person that comes to my office and we discuss a lot on how to move the state forward. Not minding the fact that we went to same secondary school, she is a master organiser. She is like my pillar of support, thank God she has groomed someone to act in her capacity,” he said.

The former Permanent Secretary Mrs Iyabo Obasa was full of praises for the duo.

She reminded the gathering of how the retirees made her stay in the Establishment a success.

“Ti e ba gbo pe opolo n ja, awon mejeeji yi ni meaning If you are looking for the brain behind our success here, the duo are brainy, always come up with solution to knotty issues,” Mrs Obasa said.

Representative of the Head of Service, Mrs Raolat Alaka, thanked the retirees for wonderful time put into service.

After the goodwill messages, there were cultural dance, special prayers for the retirees, presentation of certificate and cutting of the cake.

Mrs Alaka led the guests to present gifts to Mrs Mumuni and Baruwa.

Amid special performance by a live band after choice meal, the gathering moved to the dance floor.

Chinonye, daughter of Justice Shedrack Nwanosike (rtd.), of the Abia State High Court and her beau, Stanley Emmanuel, have tied the nuptial knot at the Saint Michaels Cathedral Church in Aba, Abia State. NWANOSIKE ONU reports

Members of the Saint Michaels Cathedral Church in Aba, Abia State, will remember the wedding for a long time to come.

Two optometrists – former Miss Chinonye Nwanosike and Stanley Emmanuel, were joined in holy matrimony in the church.

The wedding brought many judges, magistrates and lawyers together.

The atmosphere was serene. Guests trooped to the church to witness the solemnisation of like minds.

The groom was in black suit with purple shirt; the wife looked glamorous in a sleeveless white flowing gown.

The bride arrived the church in a black Spider Camry; the groom came in a red Spider Camry.

The vicar, Ven. Dr. Polycarp Ibe, in his sermon, told the couple to be the eye and mouth of each other. He reminded them that marriage is for better for worse, adding that it should be seen as bitter and sweet just as some people call themselves honey.

Dr Ibe told them to listen to each other and solve their problems together, urging them to be steadfast in prayers also. Prayer, he said, is the master key to every problem.

After the church session, the train moved to Hotel De-La-Paix for the reception.

Guests were gaily dressed. Traditional attires were the order of the day.

Gaily dressed men and women led guests into the hall where they were served assorted wines and drinks.

The one-man band played old tunes softly, but with a good, sharp rhythm.

The couple cut the five-step white cake, decorated in wine and cream, with sparkling light, at the spelling of J-E-S-U-S.

During the cake-cutting, Stanley held his wife tightly, provoking comments that he did not want her to run away.

Stanley re-proposed to his wife in the presence of the guests, who applauded his gesture.

The wife accepted and the husband lifted her and sealed it with kisses.

She threw her bouquet to spinsters who struggled to catch the flowers.

Chinonye and Stanley thrilled guests on the dance floor, with family members, guests and friends joining them.

Chairman on the occasion Justice Kenneth Nwosu told the couple to see themselves as one and not allow those he described as “meddlesome interlopers” to wade into their affairs.

He urged them to be prayerful, so God would be the third person in their union.

The bride’s father, Justice Shedrack Nwanosike, and mother Nwanyioma expressed happiness on the success of the wedding.

They claimed that they did not know when their daughter met her husband, praying to God to give them the understanding to know each other better.

The groom’s mother, Mrs Ocheze Emmanuel, told The Nation that God has done what she had been praying for in her life.

Stanley said it was a day he would never forget.

Chinonye thanked God for making the wedding a success.

At the occasion were Justice Ory Zikeora;  Justice Lilian Agbai; Justice Stella Ururuka-Onyesoh; Justice Amanze Chikwendu Chioma; Justice Levinus Nwabughiogu and  Justice Onyekachi Chijioke, among others.

Former President, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Dr Segun Aina, has given out his daughter, Lauretta’s hand in marriage to Oluwasanmi Oyeleye Famoriyo at the Catholic Church of Assumption Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos, reports JOSEPH ESHANOKPE

INITIALLY, it appeared there would be no wedding at the Catholic Church of Assumption, Falomo, Ikoyi, Lagos on Saturday, July 5. When The Nation arrived the venue at 9.30am for the ceremony billed for 10am, the main door to the building was shut. There were not many cars or people around to indicate that the beloved daughter of the former president of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Lauretta Oluwaseun Aina, was getting married to her beau, Oluwasanmi Oyeleye Famoriyo. Even when The Nation’s man and a few others found their way through the side doors, the church was almost empty. At a corner of the well-decorated church, some members were holding group prayers.

Music wafted from the choristers, who were ‘petched’ in the gallery on the first floor facing the altar to entertain the few guests.

By 9.47am, all these changed.  The would-be couple arrived in state-of the-art cars. So did many family members and guests. A few minutes later, the door opened and they marched in amid songs. And at 10 am, the service began and ended 12:20pm.

The colour of the day, for the women, was red. They wore specially selected, expensive and designed buba, iro and head gears that marched the colour of the day.  The men had no special cloth or colour.

After an opening hymn, some selected Bible verses were read. The Bishop of Kafachan Diocese, Most Rev. Joseph Bagobiri, preached.

The cleric said a Christian life is in three stages of growth. The last, he said, being the spousal stage, where man attains a certain level of communion with God – and where his heart is captivated with the love of God.

Noting that true marriages start from friendships, Most Rev Bagobiri said sacrifice is at the bottom of spousal love. “To live in love is to fulfill God’s commandments. Love should be in the heart of our lives,” he added. He urged all to live in love. He also admonished with the words of St Augustine: “Only charity, only love distinguishes the children of God and the children of the devil.”

He believes that there is nothing like a failed Christian marriage. “It happens because there is no love. Many marry and after six months, their marriage is dissolved. This is because the three – man, woman and God – are not in the marriage. Where they are, there can be no divorce or polygamy.

Besides, Most Rev Bagobiri traced the Boko Haram insurgency to parental failure. “The problem in Nigeria is due to lack of education and because of that the children grow to be violent. These children are indoctrinated to kill. The earlier we train them, the better and no manner of indoctrination will change them,” he said. He prayed for the couple, saying: “May you leave to see your children and children’s children.”

After the charges and signing of the marriage register and others, the ‘new couple in town’ was presented to the church as Mr and Mrs Famiriyo. As the priest blessed them, the heavens opened. In some areas of this country, that rain, signified blessings on them.

Guests moved to Landmark Village Events Centre on Victoria Island, Lagos, for the reception. Though white outside, the inside was creamy. The white shelter matched the white chairs and the yellow covering on the table. Though a large tent, it was tastefully decorated, especially the ‘high table’ where the couple sat.

Security was tight. Uninvited guests and those who could not identify themselves properly were either barred from entering the ‘VIP’ tent or graciously directed to another one nearby, where there was a big screen and a speaker to make them get a feel of the event.

At the spelling of O-L-U-W-A, the couple cut the cake. Assessing their performance, the President, CIBN, Otunba Debola Oshibogun, said: “Seun is my daughter. Sanmi is my son. Who would I say won the race? I think they both deserve a round of applause.”

At the event were CIBN’s First Vice President Segun Ajibola; Catholic Archbishop of Ibadan Diocese Gabriel Leke Abegurin; Anthony Cardinal Okogie sent a representative; Bishop of Ekiti Diocese Bishop Ajakaye sent words, the groom’s parents Chief and Mrs Olusegun Famoriyo; the bride’s parents Dr and Mrs Aina; Manager, Ecobank, University of Lagos Branch, Mr Tunji Jayeola; and Mr Sylvester Ngiri . There were monarchs from Osun State, the bride’s state.

President of Rotary Club of Festac Town, Lagos District 9110 Nigeria Gabriel Onyema was installed last Saturday at Golden Tulip Festac Hotel in Amuwo Odofin, reports OLATUNDE ODEBIYI.

Rotary events always stand out. The one hosted by Rotary Club of Festac Town last Saturday lived up to this billing.  The investiture of Rotarian Gabriel Onyema as the 33rd President of Rotary Club of Festac Town, Lagos District 9110 Nigeria was full of excitement.

He succeeds Rotarian Collins Onyenze. The event was held at the Golden Tulip Festac Hotel in Amuwo Odofin a Lagos suburb.

Rotarian Onyema, the Chief Executive Officer of Whitehall Multinational Limited, was in suit; his wife Nneka wore a black and white dress.

The event featured the induction of the  board of directors, awards, launch of the club projects and fund raising.

A past president, Rotarian Gabriel Amalu, led guests to sing the national and rotary anthems. The past Assistant Governor 9110, Steve Bassey, recognised some distinguished guests, district officers and clubs.

The investiture committee chairman, Rotarian Charlse Mbama, said the day was an opportunity to showcase the club’s projects for the year 2014/2015.

Rotarian Onyema mounted the podium, his wife and one of his children for his investiture.

Rotarian Amalu read his citation to guests’ appreciation.

Rotarian Onyenze performed the investiture with the assistance of the District governor, assistant governor and other past presidents of the club.  Rotarian Onyenze hung the President’s collarette on Rotarian Onyema’s neck as a symbol  of the transfer of power.

In his acceptance speech, Rotarian Onyema said the club’s projects would be executed as team work. He appealed to members and directors to assist the club.

The District Governor, Rotarian Dele Balogun, urged Rotarians to understand the theme of the Rotary year,  which is   “Light up Rotary”.

“We want the world to trust us that we are men and women of integrity and we are here to solve the problem of the community,” he said.

Balogun implored Rotarians to emulate Onyema who has donated about 7000 dollars to Rotary, saying the club has always done and will continue to do good to the people.

The guest lecturer, Dr Emeka Osuji, spoke on the need to give. He said a blessed man is not measured by being rich but by being a blessing to others and the number of lives he has impacted.

He said: “Giving is a sacrifice, a social obligation and a religious duty. We must be able to serve others and provide for the less privileged”.

Funds were raised for the club’s projects and awards presented to some business professionals for their service to humanity. Among the awardees and fund raisers were Sartra International Limited, represented by its Export Sales Manager, John Hughes, which donated N1.5 million. Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Richbon Group, Chief Chike Muonagolu; Managing Director of Ukhua International Ventures Limited, Chief Anthony Izuagbe. Member of the House Representatives, Asiwaju Jerry Alagbaoso;  Chairman Managing Director, Okolison Bothers Nigeria Limited, Chief Ralph Eze-Okoli.

Other  dignitaries at the event were: Grand Knight of the Order of Knights of Saint Mulumba, Festac Town Sub Council, Lagos Chief Stephen  Obi;  a retired senior partner in KPMG Nigeria, Mrs Ibiene  Willie-Harry; Commissioner for Budget Planning and Economic Development, Imo State, Aghedo Okoijie Lawrence; Director of Tourism and Head of Leisure and Hospitality Department, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism and Inter-governmental Relations, Mrs Mosunmola Johnson.

City Profs Academy Foundation led by its Grand Patron and former Lagos State Military  Governor Brig.-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson has laid the foundation for an e-library at the Ayangburen Primary School in Ikorodu. It is the seventh the foundation is building, reports TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO

If you invest in education, you are building a formidable future, so goes a saying. This is exactly what  the City Profs Academy Foundation is doing with its e-library initiative. It also aims to leave a worthy legacy and revive the reading culture with the project. Since its inception seven years ago, the foundation has been pursuing its vision to build e-library in the six geo-political zones.

Last Friday, City Profs Academy Community Library Initiative (CPA-CLI) laid the foundation stone for its seventh e-library. CPA Grand Patron and former military governor of Lagos State Brig.-Gen. Mobolaji Johnson, while turning the sod of the project at the Ayangburen Primary School in Ikorodu on the outskirts of Lagos, said the project was started to boost learning.

CPA-CLI is a public-private partnership initiative established to build and equip community libraries and ICT in the public education system. The catchment area is limited to locations within walking distance of different schools, for convenience in visiting the library after school at no additional costs.

Apart from reviving the reading culture among the people, most especially the young ones, the foundation believes that education  broadens one’s horizon as nurtured minds will enhance a nation’s development. The foundation has truly kept to its words over the years with spirited individuals who are committed to serving humanity.

Today, the CPA-CLI prototyped-model e-library which started in Bariga Lagos has spread to other areas, such as Ijebu-Mushin, Kosofe, Surulere, with the latest in Ikorodu. It has also spread its tentacles beyond Lagos as such feat has been replicated in Ago-Iwoye in Ogun State and Ilara-Mokin in Ondo State.

The project is under the supervision and guidance of CPA-CLI led by stalwarts, such as the former Head of Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; former Lagos State Military Governor Gen. Mobolaji Johnson; first Nigeria female Vice-Chancellor Prof Grace Alele-Wiliilams; frontline businesswoman Mrs Remi Agbowu and Mrs Essie Kukoyi.

The community library and ICT initiatives of the CPA-CLI are are being reviewed by the United Nations Millennium Development Goals, with the aim of adopting same in other countries.

Brig.-Gen Johnson said he was delighted to be part of the epoch- making event, which he said was necessary for our children.

“Education is the bedrock of any nation. This is what helped us while growing up,” he said.

He urged students to make use of the library when completed.

Corroborating Johnson, former Unilever Managing Director Dr Michael Omolayole, who was represented by Mr Oladipo Alla, congratulated Ikorodu for joining the train of progress coming from Lagos.

His words:“It is essentially to inculcate in the students the habit of reading voraciously.  It is to promote the reading culture which leads undoubtedly to acquisition of knowledge. We all know that knowledge is power. It is for this reason that the City Profs Academy has adopted the slogan “Vote for the reading culture.”

Chairman, Ikorodu Local Government, Sheriff Anipole, praised the foundation for its thoughtfulness, vision, commitment and selflessness. He hailed its members for their passion for education and knowledge, which is the bed rock of every meaningful development and enduring advancement.

He promised that they would continue to provide every logistics support towards attracting similar projects to the council, and would equally provide the congenial atmosphere for achieving the nine months completion target.

Anipole enjoined other non-governmental organisations, corporate bodies and public spirited organisations to take a cue from the good gesture of CPA and contribute their quota to the society.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Otunba Fatai Olukoga congratulated the students and expressed gratitude to the organisation for such a laudable project.  According to him, the project would assist the children greatly.

“Government is doing its best but it cannot do it alone. And that is why private organisations should help. This edifice when completed will not only serve the students alone but the entire community,” he said.

Prof Alele-Williams, chairman, Governing Board of the foundation, who was represented by Seun Fakoya, said the library initiative was beneficial to all because it is the way of the future.

She said Nigeria had enough primary school but e-library was long overdue. Citing a city like New York with about five bureaus, Alele-Williams said because of the priority placed on education, it has about 9,000 libraries, equipped to broaden their children’s horizons.

“If our children are to compete globally, we have to build a library that will benefit the children most. We have started at Bariga and Ikorodu is the seventh of its kind. We have a role to play. In the United States, as far back as 1888, Edward Carnegie started building library. And his fortune worth 400 million dollars was used in building libraries across the globe so that library can be close to the people. I think more people should emulate the man because when you nurture people’s mind through education, you are developing a nation,” she said.

Chairman, Community Library Initiative, Mrs Agbowu, praised her team for their commitment to humanity.

Mrs Agbowu believed that reaching out to companies to give a helping hand to the initiative won’t be a bad idea.

“Also, there are Ikorodu sons and daughters who are capable so that the project can be completed at the nine month stipulated time,” she said.

Patron  of the Celestial Church of Christ, Covenant Cathedral in Amuwo Odofin, a Lagos suburb, Most Senior Evangelist Soye Oluremi Oniagba has celebrated his 60th birthday. AMIDU ARIJE was there

Virtually everybody was in soutane, the white flowing gown made popular by adherents of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC). They danced and sang, savouring the joy of the 60th birthday  celebration of the patron of CCC, Covenant Cathedral in Amuwo-Odofin, a Lagos suburb.

The celebrator smiles all day, with  eyes on him.

The opening hymn was taken as the celebrator entered the church for the thanksgiving service. The service was led by Senior Evangelist Ernest Adeuti.

Guests knelt and thanked God for His mercies. For the celebrator, it was a day for thanking God.

During the service, the celebrator sang and danced to appreciate God for His blessings.

Most Snr Evg Oniagba hails from Idoani in Ondo State. He is the Chief Executive Officer of Rem Bam, a haulage firm. The Political Science graduate of the Lagos State University (LASU) was raised Anglican. His grandfather was the Patron of Anglican Church in Idoani. In 1980, Oniagba joined the CCC in Igboliki, Akure, the Ondo State.

After the church service, guests moved to the ICAN Centre hall for the reception.

The well-decorated hall was filled to capacity. Guests shone in chosen cream and white uniform attire.

On the stage was the band of One Moleculic led by Mr Staccato.

Young women dressed in cream colour attires ushered guests to their seats.

An itinerant musical group, the Ekebisi Cultural Dance group from Idoani, added colour to the occasion with their beautiful songs. They looked good in their royal dresses with beads on their necks and horse tails in their hands. Many struggled to catch glimpse of the group. Those that could not see them from far turned to the flat screen television placed at strategic places in the hall.

The occasion, anchored by the popular comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, began on a prayerful note from Pastor Dele Olutoye.

A 10-minute documentary on the life of the celebrator was shown. The celebrator was joined by his wife, Bamidele, daughter, in-laws and other family members to cut the cake.

Adeyinka supervised the cutting which was done after the spelling of God.

A Rem Bam staff, Mr Tajudeen Bank-Olemoh, described the celebrator as a leader who always has the interest of the workers and people around him in mind.

His daughter, Mrs Abiola Oduguwa, described him as a man of honour, humble and gentle soul.

The celebrator’s in-law, Dr Victor Oduguwa, described him as a man of impeccable character.

“You are to me more of a father than a father–in-law. You are a true gentle man whose name is integrity and honour. You are a role model who shows men of our time how a man should be,” he said.

The celebrator’s wife, Mrs Bamidele Oniagba, described her husband as her best friend.

“I am so grateful to have you as my father, brother, my best friend, my lover and everything beautiful in life,” she said.

The celebrator described the day as his happiest.

“It is by God’s grace that I attain this age because it is not by my power; I thank Him and appreciate His mercies on me. His grace is what I am enjoying,” he said.

“I am a fulfilled man; I wish that I am able to replicate whatever people say about me today in hundred folds,” he said.

Giving reasons for his youthful look, Oniagba said: “What most people do I don’t do. I have never taken alcohol in my life and I go for regular medical check-up,” he said.

A lawyer, Captain Joseph Emeka Nwosu, of the Nigerian Army, has got married to former Miss Ugochi Asumpta Nwaneri in Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI was there.

In her long white wedding gown, she stood under the scorching sun. Former Miss Ugochi Asumpta Nwaneri looked straight, as soldiers saluted her and her beau as they walked out of St Charles Luangwa Catholic Church at the Army Cantonment in Ikeja, Lagos, last Saturday.

Asumpta looked charming, beautiful and radiant. She had just exchanged marital vows with Captain Emeka Nwosu, a lawyer with the Nigerian Army.

It was interesting watching soldiers drawing their swords and crossing them.

The couple passed under the crossed swords to join a small group of witnesses comprising their family members and friends, who watched the parade in admiration. Before then, a more subtle show was put up.

The conventional method of keeping the groom waiting at the altar was altered. The bride was led into the church by her father, with the processional hymn: “There Shall be Showers of Blessing”. The priest and altar boy followed.

A band outside sang: “Showers of Blessing” as the groom was ushered into the church in a slow match by soldiers who moved with the rhythm of the band beats. The groom wore a cream-Army suit with three stars on each shoulder and two lapel pins on his breast pocket, representing countries that he has gone for peacekeeping. Others wore green. They moved at the same pace, making their way to the front of the church. The bride stood alone, beaming with smiles.

The priest, Lt Col Rev Fr Maurice Gerrad Udontong, counselled the couple to always have a syndicated communication.

The cleric noted that Christian marriage is not for every ‘Tom Dick and Harry’, but for matured and responsible beings.

“The sacrament of the Catholic marriage is so significant and proactive. Guard it with all diligence and never allow a third party to come into it.”

The train moved to the Nine Brigade Officers Mess inside the cantonment for the reception.

At the reception, the couple were led by soldiers to their seats in a tent made of white and red fabrics.

The groom presented kolanuts to event’s chairman, Chike Obieli, who broke it and passed it round to guests. It was a small gathering.

Captain Edet Okon of the Mechanical and Electrical Department of the Nigerian Army performed the paramilitary custom of presenting the sword to cut the cake. Presenting Captain Joseph with the sword on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan, Captain Okon said: “Though the sword is a symbol of destruction, he is allowed to use it to cut his wedding cake as a mark of honour and thereafter use it to protect his wife.”

The couple cut their four-layered flowered cake.

Obieli, who is a childhood friend of the groom, proposed the toast. Before he did, he described Captain Joseph as his brother, friend and cousin. He said they both attended St Dominic Seminary Alapu in Umuahia for their secondary education before they went to study Law.