Prominent political, religious and community leaders in Ebonyi State have charged the Coordinator of the Ebonyi Development Centre (EDC), Dr. Destiny Uchenna Nwodom, and his bride, Abigail, to build their marriage on love, mutual understanding, effective communication and the fear of God, stressing that there is no fixed formular for a successful marital union.
The advice was given during the couple's traditional and church wedding ceremonies last Saturday at Re-Meritona Hotel and Suites in Abakaliki, which attracted a large gathering of government officials, political associates, religious leaders, family members, friends and well-wishers in Ebonyi State.
Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, represented by the Speaker of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly, Chief Moses Ije Odunwa, congratulated the newlyweds and described Dr. Nwodom as one of the governor's "good sons."
The governor urged the couple to entrust their marriage to God, remain committed to one another and avoid unnecessary external interference in their family affairs.
"His Excellency extends his warm congratulations to the new couple and their families. Build your home with God at the centre, remain united and do not allow third parties to interfere in your marriage," the governor's representative said.
Delivering the homily, the officiating clerics led by Monsignor Clement Osunwoke described marriage as "a covenant, not a contract," emphasizing that it is a sacred and lifelong commitment ordained by God.
He urged the couple to sustain their union through effective communication, forgiveness, repentance and unwavering commitment to each other while raising their future children in the fear of the Lord.
"You must always remind each other, 'I choose you.' Give yourselves completely and permanently without reservation.
"Marriage is a lifelong covenant before God and should be treated with utmost commitment," Monsignor Osunwoke said.
Chairman of the occasion and Vice-Chancellor of the ESUT Institute, Professor Michael Okolo, alongside the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ebonyi State, Chief Stanley Okoro Emegha; Chairman of Ebonyi Local Government Area, Prince Chinedu Uburu and his wife, who sponsored the event; alongside the Chairman of the State Coordinators' Forum, Chief Chidi Ogbonna, said the impressive turnout of dignitaries and well-wishers reflected the esteem in which Dr. Nwodom and his wife are held.
The leaders prayed for God's continued blessings upon the couple, wishing them a fruitful, peaceful and enduring marriage.
Speaking at the reception, Chief Emegha advised the groom to approach marriage with humility, patience and commitment.
"Marriage has no formular. Every home is unique. Build your home together with your wife based on understanding, love and mutual respect. Decide the kind of family you want and work together to achieve it," he said.
Quoting the Scriptures, he added: "He who finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favour from the Lord. We pray that every blessing attached to marriage will continually follow this union."
The APC chairman also commended Governor Nwifuru for finding Dr. Nwodom worthy of public service at a relatively young age, describing the EDC coordinator as a shining example of dedication and hard work.
Responding on behalf of his family, Dr. Nwodom expressed profound appreciation to Governor Nwifuru and his wife for their support and encouragement, as well as to Prince Chinedu Uburu, his wife Jennifer, political associates, friends and other guests who honoured the occasion.
"I sincerely thank His Excellency, Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, for his immense support, encouragement and sponsorship of this wedding.
"We began this journey with God, and it is our prayer that every blessing associated with marriage will accompany our union and that God will perfect all that concerns us," he said.
The colourful ceremony drew prominent personalities from across Ebonyi State and beyond, with guests offering prayers, gifts and goodwill messages for the newlyweds as they embarked on a new chapter of their lives.
