The Nation Newspaper

Tag: wedding

  • Dignitaries besiege Yenagoa for Jonathan’s daughter’s wedding

    Dignitaries besiege Yenagoa for Jonathan’s daughter’s wedding

    President Goodluck Jonathan on Saturday handed her adopted daughter, Faith Sakwe, over to the Prince of Osimotu Kingdom from Abi, Cross River State, Godswill Osim in a classy and colourful traditional marriage.

    Apart from the Governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiohmole, who attended the event, other opposition governors including Mr. Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, were absent.

    Security was tight in Yenagoa, the state capital, where the event that attracted chieftains of the Peoples Democratic Party, traditional rulers, captains of industries and Nollywood actors, was held.

    Motorists and residents of the city groaned under heavy traffic snarl and over-zealousness of security operatives who barricaded some streets close to Nikton Road, the Yenagoa palatial home of the President.

    Neighbours of Jonathan bore the brunt of the ceremony as they were not allowed to drive their vehicles in and out of their streets.

    They also contended with heavy presence of security operatives especially men of the Department of State Security (DSS) who patrolled the area with dreadful guns.

    While residents were forced to move their cars out of the streets for security reasons, dignitaries converted the streets to their parking lot.

    The entire area was under security surveillance as the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Hilary Opara, the Commander of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Major. General Emmanuel Atewe, the state Commandant of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) constantly patrolled the area.

    Governors elected on the platform of PDP, senators, members of the House of Representatives and members of the Federal Executive Council attended the event.

    The Chairman of the PDP Governors’ Forum and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Chief Godswill Akpabio, Governor Theodore Orji of Abia State, Seriake Dickson (Bayelsa), Martins Elechi (Ebonyi), Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan (Delta) were among the PDP governors that attended the ceremony.

  • Just above the knee

    Just above the knee

    PLANNING for your wedding can be chaotic if you do not know what to wear. Of course, there are a thousand and one outfits to pick from, but, again, it all boils down to wearing what suits you’re fancy. These days, brides prefer to opt for a chic simple, sexy and stylish comfortable short style wedding dress. Usually, the modern wedding dress is simple and cute contrasting sharply with the layered, heavy-weighted, detailed and voluminous conventional wedding dress.

    The main purpose of a short style wedding dress is to make the bride feel as comfy, practical and causal as possible, considering that the wedding is to be held during the summer in a natural sunny location. The crux of the matter is that the modern bride is more preoccupied by her comfort during the wedding day more than she ever was before.

    However, there are a number of things that you need to think about when you want to make a good choice. These include the shape, neckline, skirt style and fabric.

    The short style wedding dresses include the tea length wedding dresses, knee length wedding dresses, above the knee wedding dresses, super short and mini wedding dresses.

    Each one of these sexy types of short style wedding dresses is perfect for bold and courageous contemporary brides who are looking for something more unconventional, unique, attractive and feminine.

    Among the most common and trendy necklines suitable for short style wedding dresses are one-shoulder, off the shoulders, high neck, corset style, halter, spaghetti strap, low back, round neck, sweetheart strapless or V-necks. However, it is important to choose the most suitable one for your body shape.

    For example, pregnant or corpulent brides can opt for a sensual empire waist off the shoulders short style wedding dress that can focus the eyes on the bust line or the upper part of the dress and draw the attention from the hip or the stomach area.

    Your choice of fabric is also very important. For many, the most popular fabrics are those light-weighted, woolly, ethereal and flowing types, such as georgette, illusion net, duchesse satin, damask, gauze, cotton, rayon, batiste, linen, crepe, chiffon or organza silk. If you want to keep it simple and yet stylish, then you can enrich the looks of the wedding dress with beaded necklines, pearl, crystals, sequins, lace or diamond appliqués.

  • N30m mass wedding for 125 couples in Sokoto

    No fewer than 125 couples were last Friday joined in a mass wedding conducted  by the Sokoto state Government.

    Governor Aliyu Wamakko and Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar III  presided over the ceremony.

    Sultan Abubakar was represented by  the Magajin Rafin Sokoto, Alhaji Rilwanu Bello.

    Government House Mosque, Sokoto where the wedding Fatiha took place attracted well wishers.

    Sokoto state Deputy Governor Alhaji Mukhtari Shagari and the Speaker, state house of assembly, Alhaji Lawalli Zayyana were prominent personalities that also assisted Wamakko and Sultan Sa’ad to conduct the wedding.

    Speaking, Governor Wamakko explained  that the gesture was aimed at further reducing the problems associated with the high number of unmarried youths.

    Accordingly, the governor called on the couples to uphold the trust reposed in them by the state government.

    Wamakko further appealed to wealthy individuals to complement the efforts of the state government in this direction.

    ” I must also urge the beneficiaries to engage in meaningful activities rather than idling away, or engaging in executive begging,” Wamakko, urged further.

    Also, Sultan Abubakar while applauding the gesture,  commended the state government for the purposeful commitment,  adding that” it will further reduce the problems associated with the non marriage of youths”

    He expressed worries over the traditions that tend to prevent some youths from getting married.

    Earlier, the state Commissioner for Social Welfare, Alhaji Zubairu Yari, said that the mass wedding gesture gulped N 30 million.

    While commenting, Dahiru Mohammed and Amina Shehu, a couple, scored the state government high for the gesture, promising to uphold the trust and confidence reposed in them.

  • Between Wedding and Marriage

    Between Wedding and Marriage

    As far as many people are concerned, wedding and marriage is a matter of the use of words; they are synonymous. On the other hand, there are those who are of the view that wedding and marriage are two different events in one’s life.

    Ideologically, wedding is a one-day ceremony of the beginning a nuptial journey whereby a “life contract” is signed by the couples involved and other witnesses in the public glaring. Therefore, their ideology posits that while wedding is a one-day festivity, marriage is a life time celebration. In other words, marriage is termed life after wedding.

    Having said that, another side of the story has it that people invest a lot of time, energy and money while perfecting preparation for a spectacular wedding at the expense of other relevant matters, especially issues that are germane to a successful and lasting marriage.

    They are of the view that a large percentage of people who are prone to elaborate wedding do not actually have the wherewithal, in practical term, to sustain and maintain such lifestyle after wedding. Consequently, all kinds of matrimonial acrimonies arise, especially financial matters which eventually often lead to divorce.

    So, these categories of people wonder why someone would go extra mile badly in debt because of one-day merriment at the expense of their future’s financial well-being. They argue that inasmuch as a celebrated wedding is important, wisdom demands that one exhibit moderation in such a transient event.

    One of the supporters of this school of thought is one Alhaji Mutiu Agbede, a Nigerian politician and businessman. In a chat with him, having been married for 16 years, he is of the opinion that considerable planning for marriage should be prioritised, not excessive spending on a one-day festivity.

    According to him:“One can have a low-key wedding or an elaborate wedding; it depends of the financial capability of the persons involved. Wedding is just a day ceremony while marriage is for a lasting period of time. What matter most in marriage is the caring that must be invested in the marriage by both couples.

    This is important because you have to invest your time on your marriage in order to make it work and last. The problem most people are having in marriage today is that they spend a lot of money and time on their wedding at the expense of the life after wedding. It doesn’t make sense to go and borrow just because you want to have an elaborate wedding. Such action stands a potential threat to one’s marriage in future.”, he expressed.

    In the same vein, one Mrs. Latifat Adeleye, a fashion designer, whose marriage clocks three years in 2013, is of the same mind with Alhaji Agbede’s stance. While chatting with her on the issue, she is of the view that a lot of people failed to plan for the life after wedding, which has often led to most breaking marriages. She emphasises “deep love” as the key to weather any unexpected matrimonial storm. She said: “Deep love is the key to a successful and lasting marriage. This will help both husband and the wife to exercise longsuffering and patience for each other during matrimonial problems. So, in my own view, I don’t support elaborate wedding at the expense of the resources and time needed for a lasting marriage. So, as far as I’m concerned, spending a lot of money on wedding is a wastage. I would rather invest that money to plan ahead for the life after wedding.” She stated. Also, one Mr. Akeem Omotosho shared his considered opinion. He also threw some light on the difference between wedding and marriage. According to him, he said: “Some people don’t know the difference between wedding and marriage. Wedding is just a call for people to come and celebrate with you for the new life you are about to enter. But the most important thing is the marital life itself which is the marriage and it is for a life time if all things work well for the couples involved. Therefore, instead of extravagance spending on wedding, one should be concerned on how to show necessary attributes that are needed for an enduring marriage. Both couples should prioritise on how to make their home peaceful and live in love, endurance and patience instead of exhausting all their resources on one-day celebration.” He advised.

    Still on the same line of thought, one Mrs. Hawau Badru, a stylist, also shared her philosophy on the subject matter. She said: “My stance on wedding is that one should endeavour not to spend beyond one’s financial capability. It is unfortunate that most people have invited problems into their lives through elaborate wedding. The reason is that it is often difficult to know who truly loves you in this part of the world. Therefore, elaborate wedding is often termed an open invitation to unnecessary enmity in the life after wedding. Although a lot of people came to celebrate with me during my own wedding, we didn’t spend beyond our financial strength. Now I give thanks to Almighty Allah for His goodness towards my family after seven years in marriage. (Alhamdulilahi).”, she expressed. Also, another young lady who has married for five years, one Mrs. Rukayat Adebayo, a businesswoman, said: “I would encourage a low-key wedding, so that one can spend substantial time to plan for the future of one’s family, which is most important.”, she stated.

    Based on the above concept, it is, therefore, suffice to deduce that inasmuch as a celebrated wedding is important, wisdom demands that one should be more concerned about how to live the life that comes after wedding successfully, despite several unforeseen matrimonial challenges. Based on the people’s concept, the difference between wedding and marriage is one’s emotional stability and intellectual prowess to handle daunting issues that could militate against the life after wedding.

    Bakare is a student of Mass Communication at the University of Lagos.

     

     

     

     

  • Madu defers training for wedding

    Madu defers training for wedding

    Heartland chief coach, Ramson Madu has said full scale preparations for the 2013/14 Glo Premier League season will wait after his church wedding to spouse, Chioma Ojukwu on Monday, December 30.

    The former Iwuanyanwu Nationale star will tie the nuptial bliss with the mother of his four children at the St John’s Anglican Church, Owerri.

    Madu said he has strong faith in the divine dividend that comes with weddings, hoping that it will make him a far improved coach thereafter.

    “My immediate concern right now is my upcoming wedding to my spouse, Chioma Ojukwu on Monday, December 30 at the St John’s Anglican Church, Owerri. Thereafter I’ll now turn undivided attention to preparation for the new season. Right now I can’t meaningfully tell you that Heartland are in the fore front preparing for the new season.

    “Though skeletal training sessions have been going on among the players mostly the new ones but concerted and purposeful training will commence shortly after my wedding. Coach Madu has been blessed off and on the pitch though it may not be too much to expect further blessings after the marriage rite which will make me far better coach than previously.

    “I’m wedding my wife after we’re satisfied with the four children God blessed the union with, so we’re coming before Him to show our appreciation. I look forward to the date with keen interest as I believe it will bring everybody connected with Heartland including the government to commune together,” said Madu to supersport.com.

    Madu guided the two-time Federation Cup winners to 11th position on 52 points at the 2012/13 Glo Premier League season.

  • Wedding that shook Lagos

    Wedding that shook Lagos

    •Uncle Sam’s son marries in style

    Eyituoyo, son of Vanguard Publisher Mr Sam Amuka-Pemu, and his lovebird, Oladepe, daughter of a lawyer, Mrs Jumoke Funmi-Adeshina, walked down the aisle last Saturday at the Yaba Baptist Church in Lagos. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO was there

    It had all the trappings of a society wedding. A well appointed venue; couple from rich background and influential guests, Yaba in Lagos Mainland virtually stood still for the fairstyle wedding of Eyituoyo, son of Vanguard Publisher, Mr Sam Amuka-Pemu, and his beau, Oladepe, daughter of a lawyer, Mrs Jumoke Funmi-Adeshina, last Saturday.

    Security operatives battled from morning till noon to control traffic within Yaba.

    Many sought alternative parking space, leaving the adjoining streets and roads jampacked. As news of the wedding spread, residents trooped out of their houses, watching.

    Some of them followed the A-list personalities into the Yaba Baptist Church. At the entrance were photographers, taking shots of guests as they arrive for the wedding.

    The church’s circular auditorium was a wonder to behold.

    It could be mistaken for an ultra-modern cinema. The chairs were well arranged; the programme with a silver cover was placed on guests’ seats, the leading priests sat in the middle of the church facing the crowd; the choir was on the left side. Some family members of the celebrators sat on the right of the upper side of the church behind a bevy of beautiful women dressed in the same attire and handsome looking men, smiling to the cameras.

    On the front row facing the priests were parents of the celebrators. With them were President Goodluck Jonathan’s representative and some governors.

    Behind them were political stalwarts, captains of industry, business tycoons and some elderstatemen.

    Some traditional rulers were there too.

    It was before this throng that Eyituoyo and Oladepe vowed to be “one forever”. They were declared man and wife by the Minister-in-Charge, Revd Gabriel Adebayo.

    This was followed with special prayers for the couple, scripture reading and special song by the choir.

    Shortly after, Very Revd Yinka Omololu; the retired Provost of the Cathedral Church of Christ, mounted the podium for the sermon. He told the couple to love each other “till death do them part”.

    “You must renew that love everyday and complement each other; remember God is love… always consult each other before taking a decision,” he said.

    He enjoined the guests to imbibe the lesson of the lengthy sermon to strengthen their own marriages.

    Turning to Eyituoyo, the cleric said: “As you rise, make sure your wife rises with you; you must move together. It is till death do us (you) part.”

    After the soul-inspiring message, the marriage certificate was signed before the Archbishop of Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos and Bishop of Mainland Diocese (Anglican Communion), the Most Revd Adebayo Akinde, presented it to the couple.

    Thanksgiving and offering followed.

    After the service, guests headed to The Haven Events Centre, GRA, Ikeja for the reception.

    Chief Tunde Savage said the opening prayer. There was a minute silence for the bride’s father, the late Mr Olufunmilade Adesina.

    Dr Ebi Omatsola, who chaired the occasion, described the bride’s family as “my family because we are good friends.”

    The marriage, he said, was blessed from the first day.

    Omatsola supervised the cutting of the cake. The couple fed each other with a piece of cake and then took to the dance floor. Anne Chinwere picked the bouquet which was thrown by the bride.

    The couple and their parents mounted the dance floor and were joined by the guests.

    At the event were Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim; Governors of Lagos, Edo, Rivers, and Ogun states, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), Adams Oshiomhole; Rotimi Amaechi and Ibikunle Amosun; Awujale of Ijebuland Oba Sikiru Adetona; All Progressives Congress (APC) leader Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; elder statesman, Chief Edwin Clark; ThisDay Publisher, Mr Nduka Obaigbena; Chairman, Honeywell Group Oba Otudeko; Mr Jim Ovia; Ogun State Deputy Governor, Prince Segun Adesegun; former Ekiti State Governor, Otunba Niyi Adebayo, his Ogun State counterparts Aremo Olusegun Osoba and wife Derin and Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Gen Ike Nwachukwu; Chairman, Eleganza Group of Companies, Alhaji Rasak Okoya and wife Sade; Chief Nike Akande; Mrs Kuforiji Olubi; Princess Adesola Areago-Elegbede; former Oceanic Bank chief Mrs Cecilia Ibru; Maiden Ibru; former Punch Nigeria Limited Chairman Chief Ajibola Ogunsola; Erelu Abiola Dosunmu; Hon Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Prof Johnson Clark; Chief Kofi Edonmi Kartey; Chief Brown Mene; Dagburewe of Idowa Oba Yinusa Adekola; Akija of Ikija of Ijebu Oba Kayode Alakija; Oliworo of Iworo Oba Adebisi Onafuwa; Ebumawe of Ago Iwoye Oba AbdurRasaq Adenugba; Alakan of Aiyepe-Ijebu Oba Musibau Dawudu Oseni; Oba Kolapo Ibiyemi; Oba Abimbola Akinyele; Mrs. Tobi Odunaya; Chief Obafemi Olopade; Chief Pius Akinyelure; Prof Ralph Akinfeleye; Oloris Oladunni and Adedolapo Sijuwade; Henry Odukomaiya; The Nation Editorial Board Chairman, Sam Omatseye; Chief Fassy Yusuf; Chief John Oduyemi; Mr Nosa Igiebor; Punch Nigeria Limited Managing Director Mr Demola Osinubi; Mr Marvel Akpoyibo; Erelu Abiola Dosunmu; Niteshift Guv’nor Ken Caleb Olumese; Chief Ominimini Obi; Chief Godwin Ogbeto; Chike Ogeah; Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Information, Mr Akeem Bello; Edo State Commissioner for Information Mr Louis Odion; The Nation columnist Mr Mohammed Haruna; Prof Pat Utomi; Mr John Sebanjo; Chief Phillip Asiodu; President, Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) Mr Femi Adesina; advert guru Biodun Shobanjo; Tunde Oladele among others.

  • Iwuanyawu finds love again

    Iwuanyawu finds love again

    … Marries 26-old girl

    Two years after the death of his wife, one of Nigeria’s billionaires and publisher of the Champions Newspapers, Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyawu,  has  found love again in the heart of 26- year- old   Frances Chinonyerem Enwerem.

    The white wedding which took place last weekend was preceded by a traditional wedding on September 14 in Owerri, Imo State.

    Contrary to the views of many that the girl might just be after Iwuanyawu’s wealth, sources claimed that Chinonyerem is also from a wealthy home and her decision to get hooked to the businessman-cum politician was borne out of genuine love.

    Sources also said  the 72- year -old business mogul is madly in love with his new heartthrob.

     

  • A cook’s best man is his governor

    A cook’s best man is his governor

    FOR Peter Anyiman, a cook serving Catholic Priest, Rev. Father Michael Tumba, his wedding last Saturday at Our Lady Perpetual Help Cathedral, Makurdi, Benue State, was made just a lit bit more special by the fact that his best man was Governor Gabriel Suswam.

    Suswam told the guests at the wedding reception which was held at the same venue that the groom who had served Tumba in Abuja for 18 years had demonstrated commitment to his job and deserved to be honoured. He advised people to take their jobs seriously.

    Putting his advice to practice, the governor took time to adjust the groom’s tie and wipe sweat from his face to the admiration of the guests who attended the ceremony.

    Anyiman said he considered himself lucky to have the governor serve as his best man and could not have wished for a better wedding gift.

  • Widowed a week after wedding

    Life will never be the same for Samson Otabor’s family. The 72-year-old cattle dealer in Upper Uwa, Benin City, Edo State, lost his 35-year-old son, Aimawosa, to a bullet – allegedly fired by the victim’s childhood friend – after a minor argument.

    The unfortunate incident occurred barely one week after Aimawosa tied the nuptial knot with his heartthrob of many years. Family sources said the traditional marriage ceremony was delayed by the death of the bride’s family recently.

    Narrating her heartbreaking story, Amaize, who is pregnant with the couple’s third child, said the death of her husband has robbed her the love and protection of a friend.

    “It was only last week that we did our marriage; my father who died sometime ago is still in the mortuary waiting to be buried after we formalise our marriage. I lost my mother long time ago.”

    When our reporter visited the one-storey building family house of the deceased, sympathisers gathered consoling the family members. The couple’s two children, Clinton, 4 and Anabel, 2, sat on her grandfather’s laps, as the septuagenarian gave a vivid account of the misfortune that befell the family.

    “Last Sunday, May 19 was the last time I saw my son. He came here about 7am because he had some money which he needed to pay through me to some persons. We met and he gave me the money. I came back around 7pm, took my bath and wore my night dress preparing to go to bed.

    “Suddenly I heard a cry downstairs; some people were shouting, ‘he is dead; he is dead’. Lucky Amadasun shot my son. I was wondering if it was my son they were talking about? So, I came downstairs and I met people holding the mother, who was wailing.

    “ I immediately sent my brother to go and check the house of the alleged killer of my son. When my brother got there, they told him that they had just carried the body of my son to Osuyi Hospital. The hospital said they could not handle it until they called the police.”

    He said as at the time he spoke with our reporter, the alleged killer was hiding at a house in the Government Reserve Area (GRA) of Benin. He said the police were there because the Divisional Police Office asked his men not to leave the area.

    “The people there (owners of the house) refused to open the door. As I was at the station, the police men came back to ask for a search warrant because they said without the warrant they could not force the door open.”

    The old man said his late son was a friend to his killer and wondered what pushed the alleged killer to turn around and kill his friend of many years.

    Pa Otabor said about four persons witnessed the argument that led to his son’s death. He said he was told that the problem started when argument ensued between one of the witnesses, simply identified as Ogbesia, and the alleged killer.

    “He (Lucky) brought out a gun threatening to shoot Ogbesia and my son shouted ‘Ogbesia is your friend; please don’t kill him’. He further pleaded with him to drop the gun. But my son’s intervention cost him his life as he shot at him at the chest. He fell to the ground and died at the spot”.

    He appealed to the police to apprehend his son’s killer, noting that the alleged killer had been calling and threatening to unleash mayhem on his (Otabor) family.

    The deceased wife, whose account of the story was punctuated by intermittent wail, said: “My only hope in life has been taken away, leaving me with two little children to cater for. My husband grew up in the same area with him (alleged killer). I wonder why he had to take the life of my husband.

    “ The only consolation for me now is to see the killer of my husband face the full wrath of the law for making me a widow at the time I needed the support of my husband to train the children.”

    Edo State Police Public Relation Officer Moses Eguavoen said the police have launched a manhunt for the alleged killer.

     

     

     

  • Groom, grand-mother, uncle die in road crash

    A family of four who were on their way to a marriage introduction have been killed in a road accident that occurred last weekend at Iruekpen village along the Benin-Auchi express road.

    They were said to be heading to Uromi, headquarters of Esan North East Local Government.

    Occupants in the vehicle included the man whose marriage introduction they were attending, his grand-mother, uncle and uncle’s wife.

    Sources said they were travelling in a Toyota Sienna bus and had a head-on collision with a heavy duty truck conveying sand dust.

    It took some time before the trapped corpses of the victims were removed from under the truck.

    The bodies have been deposited at a morgue while the Toyota Siena was damaged beyond repair, as engine of the vehicle and its body fell to different directions.

    Head of Operation, Iruekpen Unit Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. John Omokandugba who confirmed the report said the accident was caused by dangerous over taking on the part of the Siena Vehicle.

    Identity of the victims could not be confirmed as at press time.