Political heavyweights, senior government officials, business leaders, traditional rulers and other prominent Nigerians on Saturday converged on Lagos to celebrate the wedding of Shekina Chidinma Umahi, niece of the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, and Shope Alexandra Ayinde.
The couple were joined in holy matrimony at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Powerlink Chapel, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, in a ceremony that brought together distinguished personalities, family members and friends from across the country.
According to an official statement signed by Francis Nwaze, Senior Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister of Works (Media), Shekina is the daughter of Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Pastor Obi Abel Umahi, DSc, OFR, while Shope is the son of Commodore NN (Rtd.) Deacon Adebayo Abidemi Ayinde.
The ceremony attracted the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, CON; and Governor of Abia State, Alex Otti, who chaired the occasion. The Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, CON, was also present to celebrate with the newlyweds and their families.
In his remarks as Chairman of the occasion, Otti described marriage as a lifelong commitment that requires patience, understanding and tolerance from both partners.
The Abia State Governor, while adding humour to his advice, stressed the need for the couple to approach their union with a strong commitment to making it work.
“I want to tell you in advance that I won’t be present and as such, I declare that this marriage is indissoluble,” Otti said.
The parents of the bride and groom expressed gratitude for the successful union, describing the couple as outstanding young people who had distinguished themselves throughout their formative years and into adulthood.
They prayed for God’s guidance, peace, happiness and prosperity in the marriage, while wishing the couple a fulfilling and enduring life together.
The Umahi family formally welcomed the couple through the presentation of family gifts. The Chairman of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Laz Umahi, PhD, presented the gifts to the newlyweds on behalf of the Umahi family.
Other governors were represented at the ceremony, including Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, represented by his deputy, Patricia Obila; Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, represented by his deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo; Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea; and Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor.
The gathering also featured prominent business leaders and statesmen, including Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings; Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Public Procurement; Admiral Alison Madueke, GCON, former Chief of Naval Staff; Prof. Patrick Utomi; and Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of UBA, represented by Chidi Okpara.
Others included Mr. Adebiyi Olalekan, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lorelei Construction Limited; Engr. Solomon Dacree; Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, Chairman of Orient Global Limited; Chief Ifeanyi Clement Okorie, Chairman of Rock Results Group; and Barr. Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South East).
The Ministry of Works was also represented by the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Goronyo; Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works; Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works; and Engr. Musa Saidu, Director of Highways, Bridges and Designs.
Members of the Umahi family at the ceremony included HRH Eze Laz Umahi, PhD, Chairman of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council; Barr. Roy Umahi, SAN, FCArb, of Roy and Associates; and Chief Austine Umahi (Anyanwu Igbo), Chairman of the Amino Kano University Board.
