YENAGOA, BAYELSA – Dr. Stephanie Ebidenere Diri, daughter of the Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, and her husband, Ballad Tamaradoubra Agbeyei, were on Sunday joined in holy matrimony at the Yenagoa branch of the Royal House of Grace International Church in Yenagoa.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!
The glamorous ceremony attracted prominent political leaders, government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders and other dignitaries from across the country.
Among those in attendance were former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan; Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti; Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara; and Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo.
Also present were the First Ladies of Kwara, Ogun, Delta, Nasarawa and Taraba states, as well as the wife of the former Governor of Edo State, Mrs. Betsy Obaseki.
The Presiding Overseer of the Royal House of Grace International Church, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey, who joined the couple in matrimony after delivering a sermon titled “Submitting Unto One Another in Love,” charged them to build their home on love, mutual submission and the fear of God.
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.”
Acknowledging that no marriage is perfect, the renowned cleric advised the couple to seek God’s direction whenever misunderstandings or communication gaps arise.
He also commended Governor Diri for choosing to have the wedding in church, describing the decision as a great honour.
The father of the bride, Governor Douye Diri, accompanied by his wife, Dr. Gloria Diri, prayed for God’s blessings, joy and celebration for the couple. The ministers of God present also offered prayers for the newlyweds.
Guests later proceeded to a reception chaired by the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti.
In his counsel to the couple, Otti acknowledged that challenges would arise in marriage but urged them to develop mechanisms for resolving their differences without involving third parties.
He also prayed for God’s blessings upon the union and for the resources needed by the couple to build and care for their family.
Otti said:
“I want to thank all of you who made time to be with this family, and I pray that God will remember you for good as you honour our brother. Stephanie and Ballad, I want to congratulate you and wish you well.
“Today, both of you are leaving your immediate families to make your own family, and our prayer is that this union will be successful. There are a lot of challenges you will face. You will disagree, but what is important is that there must be a mechanism to resolve your differences.
“You must ensure that you manage yourself well. It is not easy, but it is possible.”
Other dignitaries present included Justice Patience Ama-Diri, Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, and his wife, Dr. Favour Akpe; Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, Col. Edor Obi (rtd.); and former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi.
Also in attendance were the Ambassador of Angola to Nigeria, Dr. José Bamóquina Zau; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Ajibola Basiru; and Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack, alongside her husband.
The event also attracted Senators Konbowei Benson (Bayelsa Central), Benson Agadaga (Bayelsa East) and Sunday Katung (Kaduna South), alongside members of the House of Representatives, including Chief Fred Agbedi (Sagbama/Ekeremor), Hon. Rodney Ambaiowei (Southern Ijaw), Hon. Oforji Oboku (Yenagoa/Kolokuma-Opokuma), Dr. Mitema Obordor (Ogbia) and Hon. Marie Ebikake (Nembe/Brass).
The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere; Chief Judge of the state, Justice Matilda Ayemieye; and President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah, were also present.
Captains of industry and other prominent figures at the ceremony included High Chief Victor Wayles Egukawhore, Chief Ephraim Faloughi, National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF), Dr. Boladei Igali; Senator James Manager; former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus; Col. Milland Dikio (rtd.); King Bubaraye Dakolo; and King Joshua Igbugburu, among other dignitaries.
The ceremony was marked by colourful displays of culture and tradition as family members, friends, political leaders, traditional rulers and other well-wishers gathered to celebrate the couple and wish them a prosperous and fulfilling marital journey.
Kindly share
