By: Ike Philip Abiagom
Igbuzo,part of the capital territory oil-rich state – Delta State, was abuzz with celebrations on Saturday, April 5, 2025, as Pastor Idowu Chukwudi “Upkechukwu Ibusa”,gave out his daughter, Miss Flavour Okeze, in marriage to Mr. Paul Okafor from Ogwashi-Uku at an impressive ceremony attended by the creme of the society that cuts across politics and social strata in Nigeria.
The traditional and white weddings which took place at Igbuzo in Oshimili North local government area of Delta State, were witnessed by dignitaries both from within the state and beyond as well as business executives and many supporters of the Igbuzo Philanthropist from across Delta State, who came to identify and show solidarity to him.
Those who graced the events included the High Chief Austin Izagbo and his lovely wife,High Chief Charles Okonkwo,the Odogwu of Igbuzo, Chief Victor Uchuno,President ICDU Worldwide,Elder Acho Nonyalim, CEO Junic Group of Companies, Engr. Peter Nwases, Azubike Asiana, Chief Austin Ndinwa(Okemili),Micheal Nzolor Okonkwo aka Biggie among many other dignitaries.
In a sermon delivered during the church service which took place at St.Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, Igbuzo, the officiating Revered father 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. He 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 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.
High Chief Austin Izagbo, who chaired the reception which took place at Okeze’s residence at Umueze Igbuzo,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, Pastor Idowu Okeze family and Mr. Okafor family, 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.
Chief Izagbo remarked on the sacredness of marriage, drawing attention to the biblical account of Jesus Christ’s first miracle, which took place at a wedding ceremony in Canaan. He prayed that the couple’s union would be fruitful and built on the fear of God, urging them to trust and remain prayerful in their journey together. He cautioned the couple against allowing third-party interference in their marriage, stressing the importance of unity and mutual understanding.
In a brief interview with newsmen shortly after being joined together in holy matrimony, the couple, Mr & Mrs Paul Okafor expressed thanks to God who brought them together. They equally acknowledged and appreciated 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.
The bride’s father, Pastor Idowu Okeze,expressed happiness and appreciation to God for the success of the marriage activities and described the marriage as divinely ordained. He also appreciated his families, friends,Deltans and other Nigerians for their supports and prayers.
Pastor Okeze in the same vein also appreciated the Chairman of the occasion,Chief Austin Izagbo,Ide of Igbuzo,Chief Charles Okonkwo,Odogwu of Igbuzo, Chief Victor Uchuno,President ICDU Worldwide and to everyone who traveled from far and near to support his family on this special event of the marriage of Mr & Mrs Paul Okafor.
Sensational and Anioma music maestro Ogbogu Okonji aka OGB,dazzled the audience at the ceremony.The joyous event was a fitting celebration of love, unity, and cultural harmony, as the union of Favour and Paul brought together families from Delta, underscoring the spirit of togetherness.
