Ebonyi State Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has called on young couple to uphold the values of respect, sacrifice, and understanding in marriage, describing it as a vital transition and the foundation of a stable home and society.
Governor Nwifuru made the remarks on Saturday in Abakaliki during the wedding ceremony of his younger brother, Barrister Emmanuel Mbam Nwifuru, and his bride, which was attended by dignitaries, friends, and family members.
Speaking with journalists shortly after the event, the governor reflected on what he described as a wave of new marriages among young people since he assumed office, attributing it to a renewed sense of hope and responsibility among Ebonyi youths.
“Marriage is like a transition, it takes a boy to a man. It’s only when you marry that you can have a home of your own. My younger brother has taken that bold step, and I congratulate him for choosing to build a home," he said.
Addressing the rising cases of broken homes in society, Nwifuru emphasized the need for mutual respect between spouses, warning that conflict and competition often destroy the harmony intended in marriage.
“We have been urging our wives to understand the essence of marriage by sacrificing, understanding, and respecting their husbands,” he said.
“Once you respect your husband, peace will reign in your home. But when you challenge him unnecessarily, you create problems. A wife should be a wife, and a husband should be a husband.”
The governor recalled that his administration has sustained advocacy against domestic violence through the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) initiative, stressing that marriage should be built on dialogue and mutual understanding rather than confrontation.
“Marriage is not about who leads or who follows; it’s about complementing each other,” Nwifuru added.
“When couples embrace patience and respect, their home becomes a haven of peace," he further stated.
The ceremony was marked by celebration, cultural displays, and heartfelt tributes to the newlyweds, as guests described the union as a symbol of love, unity, and hope for the younger generation.
Governor Nwifuru’s message, delivered in a tone both familial and philosophical, underscored his belief that the strength of any society begins from the strength of its homes, a principle he said his administration will continue to promote.
