By Nkechi Eze
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has reaffirmed the central place of marriage in building national cohesion, unity and sustainable development, describing it as the foundation upon which strong families and a harmonious society are built.
The President made this known at the solemnisation of holy matrimony between Miss Deborah Ershima and Mr. Samuel Aondoakur, son of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, CON. President Tinubu was represented at the ceremony by a high-powered delegation led by the Vice President.
In an official statement signed by the Director, Information and Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Segun Imohiosen, the President stressed that marriage remains the bedrock of the family system, which in turn serves as the foundation of any stable and prosperous society. According to him, strong and stable families are indispensable to nurturing values such as tolerance, mutual respect, responsibility and peaceful coexistence, virtues he said are critical to fostering harmony and unity across Nigeria.
President Tinubu noted that when families are built on love, understanding and shared responsibility, they produce citizens who are committed to national unity and peaceful cohabitation, adding that such values are essential for sustainable development and social stability.
In his vote of thanks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, expressed profound appreciation to President Tinubu for honouring his family with a powerful delegation led by the Vice President. He described the President’s gesture as a demonstration of goodwill and solidarity, and used the occasion to pray for the Governor of Benue State, asking for divine guidance and strength to enable him succeed in the onerous task of governance.
After congratulating the couple and wishing them a fruitful, supportive and fulfilling union, Senator Akume called on Nigerians to continue to rally behind the country with prayers and goodwill. He said the Tinubu-led administration is making significant strides across key sectors of the economy, and urged citizens to support the government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, emphasising that national progress can only be achieved through collective effort and shared commitment.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, exhorted the couple to allow God to take centre stage in their lives and in their union, assuring them that doing so would attract untold blessings. He encouraged them to add value to Benue State through their endeavours and pledged the continued support of the state government.
The wedding ceremony attracted a distinguished gathering of dignitaries from across the country, including the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev; the Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Hon. Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo; the Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha; the Director General of the National Directorate of Employment, Mr. Silas Agara; and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Pius Akutah. Also in attendance were members of the National Assembly, members of the Benue State House of Assembly, members of the Benue State Executive Council, as well as other top government functionaries and well-wishers.
The event was marked by prayers, goodwill messages and reflections on the enduring role of marriage and family values in strengthening national unity and social cohesion.
