By Fr Constantine Echichechi Okoli
Two weeks after their Traditional Wedding, on Saturday, 17th August, 2024, Chidimma Uzoamaka Umeh, the daughter of Senator Victor Umeh – the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District in the National Assembly, tied the nuptial knots with her heartthrob, Obinna Cyril Ifeanyi.
The wedding which took place at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, Victoria Island, Lagos, attracted people from all walks of life, including the Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Chukwuemeka Ezeokafor, who presided over the Mass and accepted the consent of Mr. Obinna and Mrs. Chidimma Ifeanyi in the company of many priests.
In his remarks at the beginning of the Mass, the Prelate, Bishop Ezeokafor, thanked God for the blessings of family life and for the life of Chidimma and Obinna whose love for each other, he said, inspired the celebration of the solemnization of their Holy Matrimony.
In his homily, the Associate priest of the parish, Rev. Fr. Oscar John Obi, exhorting the gift of marriage and called on the couple to do all within their reach to preserve the beauty of marriage by respecting each other, praying together and committing themselves regularly to the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist.
Also, the homilist reminded them that though challenges might come as they progressed in family life and as children began to come, they should not be afraid. ‘With God, nothing is impossible’, he charged them.
In a statement, the bride, Chidimma, revealed her reason for choosing Obinna among all the other suitors who sought her hand in marriage.
‘Obinna was there in the toughest moments of my life; Obinna deserves my love,’ the visibly appreciative Chidimma said emotionally. In his remarks, the father of the bride, Senator Victor Umeh, expressed joy that his daughter was able to weather the storm that came with making proper discernment.
‘It was not an easy struggle for my daughter. I am happy that she understood the importance of faith in the life of every individual and that she keyed into what I have always emphasized. I am happy for her and her husband and I am confident that God will inspire them to live and flourish in their marriage,’ the visibly happy Senator said.
The celebration was indeed joyous. Chidimma’s husband, Obinna Cyril Ifeanyi, who glowed with happiness and excitement, is the son of Chief Obiora Cyril Ifeanyi, known as Gburugburu of Ihiala, Anambra State. Dr. Mike Amailo Ezeaju and Mrs. Gladys Nwamaka Ezeaju were the sponsors of the marriage.
The civic reception for the great event took place at the Federal Palace Hotel and Casino, Lagos, and it drew a distinguished guest list from Nigeria’s elite. The wedding was attended by dignitaries, including the Senate President, His Excellency, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, GCON; Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti; former Commonwealth Secretary General, Chief Emeka Anyoku; former Governor of Anambra State and presidential candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 Presidential Election, Mr. Peter Obi, CON; the former Governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal; Senate Minority Whip, Senator Osita Ngwu; Senator Osita Izunaso (Imo West); C.E.O. of Air Peace Airlines, Barr. Allen Ifechukwu Onyema, CON; C.E.O. of United Nigeria Airlines, Prof. Obiora Okonkwo; GMD/C.E.O. of Zenith Bank, Dame Adaora Umeoji; National Assembly members; state assembly members; businessmen; traditional rulers, among others.
The guests at the colourful event were entertained by the Nigerian singer/songwriter, Kingsley Okonkwo, popularly known as Kcee.