By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.
It was a day of colour, culture, and heartfelt emotions as Chief Austin Umahi, Board Chairman of Aminu Kano Federal Teaching Hospital and former Director General of the APC Governorship Campaign Council in Ebonyi State, gave his daughter, Sharon Chidera Augustine Umahi, in marriage to Prince John Chukwudi, in a grand traditional ceremony held at Umunaga Uburu, Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Speaking during an interview at the ceremony on Wednesday, Umahi described the day as both joyful and deeply emotional.
He recalled the journey of raising his daughter with discipline, love, and faith, emphasizing that her marriage, like her life, has been handed over to the divine.
“It’s just by the grace of God. I remember when she was born 23 years ago. It feels surreal that someone is now coming to take her as a wife. But I have peace because from birth, I handed her over to God, and now in marriage, I have done the same,” he said.
Sharon Chidera, an accomplished scholar who earned first-class degrees in both her undergraduate and master’s programmes at University College London, was praised by her father for her humility, discipline, and fear of God.
“She’s very humble and focused. You wouldn’t even know who her father is because she carries herself with such grace. She never saw anything done for her as an entitlement. That makes me proud,” Umahi shared.
He also spoke of Sharon’s consistent accountability, even while studying abroad, stating that she remained transparent and respectful — a testament, he said, to her upbringing.
“Even while in the UK, she never stepped out without letting her mother and I know down to the car number. That’s the level of accountability I’m talking about," he hinted.
The APC Chieftain expressed his satisfaction with the groom, Prince John Chukwudi, commending him as a God-fearing, intelligent young man who shares similar values with their family.
“She once told me she wanted to marry a man like her father. I told her, ‘Find someone better.’ And by God’s grace, she did. The young man is a first-class graduate, met Christ early in life, and fears God. That is my confidence and joy today,” he noted.
Beyond the celebration, Umahi used the occasion to send a strong message to Nigerian parents, stressing that academic institutions cannot replace the role of the family in raising morally upright children.
“The Bible says if the foundation is destroyed, what can the righteous do? Parents must sit up. School can only improve what you’ve already built at home. The decay we see in society today is because many homes have lost that foundation,” he warned.
He encouraged families to prioritize faith, discipline, and love over materialism, urging young people to remain focused and trust God’s timing in their life journey.
The ceremony was attended by dignitaries from across the nation, including Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State and his wife, Chief Mary Maudline Nwifuru, Minister of Works and former Governor, Senator Engr. David Umahi, Senator Kenneth Eze, representing Ebonyi Central Senatorial District and other members of the National Assembly, judiciary officials, state executives, traditional rulers, and community leaders.
The cultural rites were rich and symbolic, featuring the presentation of traditional marriage items, the wine-carrying ceremony, payment of bride price, and blessings from elders. Guests were treated to vibrant dances, traditional attires, and expressions of joy.
As Chief Umahi officially handed over his daughter to her new home, he gave a final blessing: “What we have achieved as a family should be her starting point. May her marriage bring more joy, peace, and impact than ours ever did. And may the grace of God continue to go before her.”
Umahi expressed optimism that with these words, Sharon and John have began their journey not just as husband and wife, but as torchbearers of a legacy founded on love, faith, discipline, and grace.
