Senator Okowa gives out daughter in marriage

It was the gathering of who is who in Delta State politics as the Senator representing Delta North in the National Assembly and Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa gave out his eldest daughter, Mildred, to a charming young Professor based in South Africa, Ehimario Uche Igumbor, last weekend.

The traditional and white weddings which took place at Boji Boji, Owa in Ika North-East local government area and the Delta State capital, Asaba, respectively were witnessed by top politicians both from within the state and beyond as well as business executives and the many supporters of the lawmaker from across Delta State, who came to identify and show solidarity to him.

Those who graced the events included the Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, his wife, Deaconess Roli Nere Uduaghan, Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Peter Onwusanya, Senator James Manager, who represented the Senate President, wife of the deputy governor, Mrs. Nelly Utuama, PDP State Chairman, Chief Peter Nwaoboshi, Senior Political Adviser to the State Governor, Chief Ighoyota Amori, NDDC Commissioner representing Delta State, Chief Tom Amioku and his wife, Ambassador Godson Echegile and his wife, Hon. Ejaife Odebala, former Speakers, Hon. Victor Ochei and Martins Okonta, Secretary to the State Government, Comrade Ovuozorie Maucaley, Minister of Health, Professor Onyebuchi Chukwu,  Dr. Festus Okubor, Rear Admiral Peter Eluma, Col. Godwin Eboma, the CBN Governor-Designate, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, former deputy governors, Evang. Simeon Eborka and Chief Benjamin Elue, Hon. (Engr.) Doris Uboh-Ogunkoya, former PDP State Chairman, Sir (Engr.) Pius Senebe, Chief Clement Ofuani, Hon. Michael Diden (Ejele), Queen Victoria Ikenchukwu, Deputy Speaker of Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Basil Ganagana, Prof Sylvester Monye, Dr. Kachiku of Exxon Mobil, Prof. Joseph Alika of University of Benin, members of the State House of Assembly, members of the Delta State Executive Council, Permanent Secretaries including Mr. Tony Obuh, P. S. Government House, Asaba, traditional rulers from across the State, including Obi Dr. Emmanuel Efeizomor of Owa Kingdom, Justice Ehiwario, Elder (Chief) John Ehikwe,  former deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Festus Ovie Agas, Mr. Steve Ashien among many other dignitaries.

In a sermon he delivered during the church service which took place at St. Philips Anglican Church, Asaba, the Primate of Anglican Communion, Most Revd. Nicholas Okoh described marriage as a beautiful and wonderful institution put in place by God not only for procreation but also for companionship between man and woman.

He noted that the marriage institution has strong and unbreakable spiritual relationship with God's kingdom, and therefore should not be toyed with by anybody.

He maintained that many of the challenges tasking human existence today were as a result of unstable and broken marriages.

The clergyman stressed that it was the mind of God to make marriage work for husband and wife, and warned that nobody should do anything to undermine or put asunder any marriage, as anybody who tries to do that will end up bruising him or herself, noting that God strongly abhors divorce.

Revd. Okoh admonished married couples to always work and remain committed to their marital vows, saying they should maintain the sanctity of marriage in all areas of their lives.

He urged the newly married couple, Prof. and Dr. (Mrs.) Ehimario Igumbor to always cherish and love each other without any reservation. "You should be proud of each other, even with your individual faults and weaknesses. Let devotion, commitment, trust and undivided attention for each other by the hallmarks of your marriage," he advised.

The Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan, who chaired the wedding reception, which held at the Events Center, Asaba, urged the couple to make God's principles a watch word in their lives, as that was the sure why to marital bliss.

The wife of the governor, Deaconess Roli Uduaghan, had earlier, during the traditional marriage, admonished the couple to work together in the fear and direction of God, noting that any marital union built on God never falters nor fail.

Prof. Sam Oyoibaire, who chaired the reception for the traditional marriage, on his part, said marriage was the coming together of two families for the building and development of the society, and thanked both families for supporting their children's decision to become husband and wife.

For the parents of the newly married couple, Senator and Dame Ifeanyi Okowa and Mr. and Prof. (Mrs.) Sam Nwa -Igumbor, their joy knew no bound as they wished their children God's protection, sustenance and blessings.

They expressed happiness and appreciation to God for the success of the marriage activities. They also appreciated Deltans and other Nigerians for their supports and prayers.

In a brief interview with newsmen shortly after being joined together in holy matrimony, the couple, Prof. and Dr. (Mrs.) Ehimario Igumbor expressed thanks to God who brought them together. They equally acknowledged and appreciate their parents and all who joined in making the events worthwhile and a huge success.

According to them, "the story of the miracle of creation, weaves through our nuptial programme and remains our best explanation of how today's celebrations have come about. It is how we have come to understand our perfect fit - a match ordained by God.

"Today, we have publicly affirmed our giving to each other, our hearts and hands, knowing that as we journey through life, we do so henceforth as partners, lovers and best friends.

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