Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, on Saturday hosted an array of political leaders, government officials, captains of industry and other dignitaries as his first daughter, Dr. Stephanie Ebidenere Diri, married Ballad Tamaradoubra Agbeyei at the governor’s country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state.
The colourful traditional marriage brought together prominent Nigerians from across political, public and private life, including former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan; Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Engr. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who chaired the ceremony; and Governor of Delta State, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori.
Also in attendance were the wives of the Kwara and Delta governors, Prof. Olufunke AbdulRazaq and Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, alongside the first ladies of Jigawa, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Taraba states.
The first ladies of Edo and Benue states were represented by the coordinators of their respective offices.
Governor Diri, who was accompanied by his wife and mother of the bride, Dr. Gloria Diri, offered prayers for the newly married couple, expressing the hope that their union would become a source of blessing not only to themselves and their families but also to Bayelsa State and Nigeria.
Speaking at the ceremony, the governor described the occasion as a joyful fulfilment and urged the couple to build their marriage on love, commitment and faith.
“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, ” he said.
Governor AbdulRazaq, who chaired the event, congratulated Stephanie and Agbeyei and urged them to make God central to their marriage, particularly when confronted with challenges.
He advised the couple to approach disagreements with patience, prayer and mutual understanding, stressing the importance of entrusting the affairs of their new life together to God.
“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, ” he said.
The ceremony attracted a strong representation from the political and diplomatic community, with the Ambassador of the Republic of Angola to Nigeria, Dr. José Bamóquina Zau, among the distinguished guests.
Also present was the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri, as well as former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia.
Former deputy governors of Bayelsa State, Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah, attended the celebration, alongside Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha, wife of the state’s first civilian governor.
The National Assembly was also strongly represented, with Senators Benson Agadaga of Bayelsa East and Konbowei Benson of Bayelsa Central in attendance.
Members of the House of Representatives from the state who attended included Chief Fred Agbedi of Sagbama/Ekeremor, Oforji Oboku of Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma, Engr. Rodney Ambaiowei of Southern Ijaw and Mrs. Marie Ebikake of Nembe/Brass.
The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, other state legislators and the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, were also present.
The gathering also attracted prominent figures from the Niger Delta development community, including the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; the Managing Director of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare; former NDDC Managing Director, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe; and former Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Kingsley Kuku.
The Nigeria Police Force was represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 16, Abubakar Zubairu, who represented the Inspector-General of Police.
Business and industry leaders at the ceremony included the Managing Director of Megastar Technical and Construction Company, Arc. Harcourt Adukeh; Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, Chief Keston Pondi; and Chairman/Chief Executive Officer of De Wayles Group of Companies, High Chief Victor Egukawhore.
Also among the guests were Senator Lee Maeba and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus.
The Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack; retired Supreme Court Justice and Pere of Tuomo Kingdom, Justice Francis Tabai; service commanders, religious leaders and senior government officials also graced the occasion.
The traditional marriage provided an opportunity for political, traditional and business leaders to join Governor Diri and his family in celebrating the union of Stephanie and Agbeyei, as well as to offer prayers and goodwill for the couple as they begin their married life.
