BY JOHN ODHE
Indeed, Africa came to Bayelsa State over the weekend as Dr. Stephanie Ebidenere Diri, first daughter of Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri, and her spouse, Ballad Tamaradoubra Agbeyei, celebrated a grand two-part wedding.
The traditional ceremony took place on Saturday in Sampou town, followed by an electrifying church wedding on Sunday at the Royal House of Grace International Church in Yenagoa, the capital city of the oil rich Glory Of All Lands.
A Cultural Showcase in Sampou:
The traditional marriage rites at governor Diri’s country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area, radiated Ijaw culture and vibrant colours.
The Sampou Civil Centre was charged with local customs. Excitement filled the air as both families formally sealed the union in the traditional way.
With the Ijaw cultural (Owigiri) music maestro, J-King Izon-Ebi and his ‘Because of Love’ bance band on stage, it was an atmosphere of scintillating dance steps. Men, women, boys and girls wobbled their wastes to the rhymes and rhythms of beautiful songs produced by the young musician.
Also in action was the awards winning Bayelsa Cultural Troup thrilled the audience
The couple, Stephanie and Ballad, clad in rich, elegant Ijaw traditional attires that honored their heritage, could not hold back their joys. To them, it was a day to celebrate love and marital fulfilment that would remain stamped in their memories as long as they live.
The Leadership: Kwara State governor who doubles as Nigeria Governors’ Forum’s chairman, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq chaired the traditional event. He lavished words of admonition on the new couple, urging them to love one another, forgive one another and respect one another.
A Glamorous Matrimony In Yenagoa:
The celebration transitioned to the state capital on Sunday for the solemnization and church blessing. Again, it was worthwhile.
The General Overseer of the Royal House of Grace International Church, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey officiated the ceremony, urging the newlyweds to keep faith and love at the center of their home.
He said: ”Husband and wife must relate with reverence to the Lord. Remember that God occupies the top of the marriage triangle, with both partners at the base.
”Never forget that God is always involved in your union. The fear of God will ensure that everything you do goes right.”
The Guidance: Governor Douye Diri and his wife, Dr. Gloria Diri, offered heartfelt prayers, reminding the couple that understanding and patience are vital for a lasting marriage.
The number one family prayed for God’s blessings, joy and celebrations for their daughter and son-in-law.
At the end of the wedding ceremony, guests were later entertained at a reception chaired by the Abia State governor, Dr. Alex Otti.
Otti, in his counsel to the couple, said no marriage was devoid of challenges but urged them to device a mechanism for resolving their differences without involving a third party.
A Gathering of Dignitaries:
The weekend events brought together an impressive assembly of political heavyweights, diplomats, and prominent figures from across Nigeria and beyond
Dame Patience Jonathan, the former First Lady of Nigeria graced both phases of the joyous celebration.
Visiting Governors: Governors Siminalayi Fubara (Rivers), Alex Otti (Abia), Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), and Ahmed Ododo (Kogi) attended to show solidarity and support for their colleague, Diri, who is the chairman, South-South Governors’ Forum.
Diplomatic Corps: The Ambassador of Angola to Nigeria, Dr. José Bamóquina Zau, was present to add international color to the festivities.
State First Ladies and Officials: A wide array of governors’ wives, National Assembly members, traditional rulers, and captains of industry joined the Diri family to toast the new couple.
