Patience Jonathan, Governors, First Ladies Grace Diri’s Daughter’s Traditional Marriage

Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, on Saturday hosted an array of political leaders, government officials and prominent Nigerians as his first daughter, Dr. Stephanie Ebidenere Diri, traditionally married Ballad Tamaradoubra Agbeyei.

The colourful ceremony was held at Governor Diri’s country home in Sampou, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

Among the prominent guests were former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan; Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; and Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori.

The event also attracted several serving and former government officials, traditional rulers, business leaders and members of the National Assembly.

Governor AbdulRazaq, who chaired the ceremony, attended with his wife, Professor Olufunke AbdulRazaq, while Governor Oborevwori was accompanied by his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori.

Also present were the first ladies of Jigawa, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Taraba states. The first ladies of Edo and Benue states were represented by coordinators from their respective offices.

Governor Diri, who was joined by his wife and mother of the bride, Dr. Gloria Diri, offered prayers for the newly married couple.

He urged Stephanie and Agbeyei to build their marriage on love, commitment and faith, stressing that no marriage is without challenges.

“It is marvellous in our eyes. May your union be blessed,” Diri said, while encouraging the couple to love one another and continually commit their marriage to God.

The governor also prayed that the union would be a blessing not only to the couple and their families but also to Bayelsa State and Nigeria.

In his remarks, Governor AbdulRazaq congratulated the newlyweds and advised them to make God the foundation of their marriage.

He urged the couple to turn to God whenever they encounter challenges and to resolve disagreements amicably.

“Today we join your family in praying for you. We celebrate your successful marriage. Every day that we wake up, you should hand your life’s issues to God and resolve them amicably as you go ahead in your marriage,” AbdulRazaq said.

The ceremony brought together a wide range of dignitaries, including Angola’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. José Bamóquina Zau; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Dr. Heineken Lokpobiri; and former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia.

Former Bayelsa deputy governors Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah also attended, alongside Mrs. Margaret Alamieyeseigha, wife of the late first civilian governor of Bayelsa State.

Several members of the National Assembly from Bayelsa were also present, including Senators Benson Agadaga and Konbowei Benson, as well as members of the House of Representatives representing various constituencies in the state.

The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abraham Ingobere, state lawmakers and the Chief Judge of Bayelsa State, Justice Matilda Ayemieye, were among other dignitaries at the event.

The gathering also attracted senior officials of the Niger Delta Development Commission and other regional institutions, including NDDC Managing Director, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku; Managing Director of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare; former NDDC Managing Director, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe; and former Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta, Dr. Kingsley Kuku.

The Inspector General of Police was represented by the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 16, Abubakar Zubairu.

Other notable guests included business leaders, captains of industry, traditional rulers, religious leaders, service commanders and senior government officials.

The event was also attended by Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack; retired Supreme Court Justice and Pere of Tuomo Kingdom, Justice Francis Tabai; Senator Lee Maeba; former Peoples Democratic Party National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus; and several prominent figures from Bayelsa and beyond.

The ceremony was marked by celebrations from family, friends and political associates, as Governor Diri and his wife formally welcomed Agbeyei into the family as their daughter’s husband.