Several dignitaries, including the Angolan envoy, state governors and the wife of former president, Dame Patience Jonathan, joined the Bayelsa State governor, Senator Douye Diri and his family to celebrate the wedding of his first daughter, Dr. Stephanie Ebidenere Diri.
Diri daughter’s exchange of marital vows with her husband, Ballad Tamaradoubra Agbeyei, held on Saturday, at the governor’s Sampou country home in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state, also attracted other prominent political figures and distinguished guests, such as the chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Mr. AbdulrRahman AbdulRazaq, who chaired the event, his wife, Prof. Olufunke AbdulRazaq, the Delta State Governor, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori and his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori.
Some other high profile dignitaries in attendance were the first ladies of Jigawa, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Taraba and the first ladies of Edo and Benue states, represented by the coordinators of their office.
Diri, who was joined by his wife, Dr. Gloria Diri, mother of the bride, prayed that the new couple would not only be a blessing to themselves but also to the state and the country at large.
His words: “It is marvellous in our eyes. May your union be blessed.
“There is no perfect marriage. So strive to love each other and commit your marriage to God at all times.”
In his remarks, chairman of the Nigeria Governors Forum congratulated the couple and enjoined them to always seek the face of God in resolving any marital challenges.
AbdulRazaq also urged them to make God the cornerstone of their marriage as they begin this new journey together.
“Today we join your family in praying for you. We celebrate your successful marriage.
“Everyday that we wake up, you should hand your life’s issues to God and resolve them amicably as you go ahead in your marriage.”
Other dignitaries at the colourful ceremony included the Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to Nigeria, Dr. José Bamóquina Zau, Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri, former governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, former Bayelsa deputy governors, Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah, and wife of the first civilian governor of the state, Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha.
Also present were National Assembly members from the state, including Senators Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) and Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central) as well as House of Representatives members, Chief Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor), Oforji Oboku (Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma), Engr. Rodney Ambaiowei (Southern Ijaw) and Mrs. Marie Ebikake (Nembe/Brass) as well as Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, other state legislators and the Chief Judge, Justice Matilda Ayemieye.
The event was also attended by Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, his Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority counterpart, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare, and former NDDC Managing Director, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, and former Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta, Dr. Kingsley Kuku.
The Inspector General of Police was represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 16, Abubakar Zubairu, with the Managing Director of Megastar Technical and Construction Company, Arc. Harcourt Adukeh, Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, Chief Keston Pondi, Chairman/CEO of De Wayles Group of Companies, High Chief Victor Egukawhore, other captains of industry as well as Senator Lee Maeba and the former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus also present.
Equally in attendance were the Head of Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack, retired Justice of the Supreme Court and Pere of Tuomo Kingdom, Justice Francis Tabai, service commanders, religious leaders and top government functionaries
among other dignitaries.
