The colourful and well-attended Holy Matrimony, held at John Neumann Catholic Church, Idokpa, brought together distinguished guests and relations of the two families, who witnessed the exchange of marital vows as Rebecca, daughter of Chief Pius Eromosele Omoike, and Donald, son of Chief Mike Ezewele Okpere, Vice Chairman of LEADERSHIP Group Limited, formally began their journey as husband and wife.
Among the senior management officials of LEADERSHIP Group Limited who joined the Okpere family to celebrate the joyous occasion were the executive director, Finance, Mrs Felicia Ogbonilaiye; director, Special Projects, Mr Paul Agbo; and director, Special Projects II, Mr Abdulmumin Balogun.
In his homily, the officiating priest, Rev. Fr. Angel Nwankwo, charged the newlyweds to build their marriage on love, patience, tolerance, mutual respect and a deep commitment to God.
He reminded them that while love remains the foundation of marriage, an enduring union also requires understanding, sacrifice and the willingness of both partners to accommodate each other’s differences.
“Marriage requires care, love, attention and respect. What a woman needs is care, love and attention, while a man needs respect. Both must, however, be guided by the love and fear of God,” the priest said.
Before the church wedding, the couple had earlier been joined in accordance with traditional rites at the bride’s family home, in keeping with the rich cultural traditions of both families.
The celebration continued with an elaborate reception, where guests were treated to an array of sumptuous cuisine and choice drinks, while soulful melodies and captivating rhythms provided the perfect soundtrack to an evening filled with laughter, dancing, warmth and affection.
An elated father of the groom, Chief Mike Okpere, expressed joy and gratitude witnessing the marriage of his son, describing the occasion as a moment of immense pride and fulfilment. He wished the newlyweds a blissful, enduring and prosperous married life.
“It a thing of joy for every father to witness a moments like this. It is a thing of great joy and fulfilment to see one’s son enter into the sacred bond of matrimony. This is not the first time I am witnessing such a joyous occasion, and I am confident that there will be many more celebrations like this in our family. I pray that God blesses their union with love, peace, understanding and lasting happiness,” he said.
