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• Vice President Shettima, Dangote, other VIPs attend wedding ceremony
From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
On August 12, political gladiators and captains of industry converged on Abuja to celebrate the moments of nuptial bliss of Ms. Zainab Hasina Sani Musa, daughter of Senator Mohammed Sani Musa and Mrs Hajia Sa’adatu Sani Musa.
In a benevolent demonstration of her Islamic upbringing by her parents, especially the importance of making Allah the bedrock of a successful marriage, the bride alongside her groom, Dr Hamman Bakari took to the National Mosque, Abuja where the marriage Fathia rites and Juma’at prayers were conducted.
Despite the downpour on that day, political heavyweights led by President Bola Tinubu defied the inclement weather to grace the occasion. Vice President Kashim Shettima received the bride from the bride’s family on behalf of the groom, Dr Yerima Hamma Wabi, while the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Haruna Bahago, represented the bride’s family before the Imam of the National Mosque.
After the settlement of the bride price as custom demands, steadfast prayers were showered on the couples, signaling the beginning of a blissful journey.
Dignitaries present at the occasion included the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila; the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar; Billionaire business tycoon, Aliko Dangote; former military President, General Abdulsalami Abubakar; governors and members of the 10th Senate and House of Representatives, amongst others.
With fortified spirituality, the love birds were set for the most exquisite wedding experience to be held the next day, Saturday. As early as 3:00p.m invited guests were already making their way to the International Conference Centre, Abuja, venue for the event organised by Lagos-based luxury event planners, Zapphaire Events, headed by Funke Bucknor Obruthe.
Based on the adherence to the strictly by invitation order of the event, only accredited guests were allowed into the magical breathtaking fairytale themed hall set up by blue velvet.
The elegantly dressed Zapphaire hostesses showed guests their seats as they get set to witness an evening of indelible merriment of love. On ground to coordinate the phenomenal activities lined up for all present were prolific Dj Stan, Mc Andy and Aloy.
All set to honour Zainab, a successful business entrepreneur and B.Sc graduate from the prestigious University College London with a Masters Degree from the Imperial College UK and her groom, a B.Sc graduate from the University of Brighton UK, with MSc. from the University of Sussex UK and PhD from Nile University, Abuja.
The respective grand entries of the bride and groom’s families heralded the commencement of the reception beginning with the groom’s mum, Hajia Ya Bawa Wahabi, a former Minister of Finance and current board member, Dangote Group of Companies and the groom’s dad, Alhaji Bakari Yerima Wubi Hamman. This was followed by the bride’s father and mother, Hajia Sa’adatu and Senator Sani Musa who also chairs the Senate Committee on Finance at the 10th National Assembly.
Others who made scintillating entry into the cherry blossom-themed garden venue include; The bride’s relatives led by her grandmother, Hajia Aisha Suleiman Danladi, her siblings Suleiman, Ibrahim and Aisha; and others.
It was the same for the groom’s relatives before the grand entry of the bride dressed in an enchanting white and brown flowing gown and her groom also decked in a native sea blue coloured dress with a hat to match.
As expected the women folk turned up in their resplendent “Aso Ebi” clothes made out the best of African fashion featuring fabulous dresses, native fabrics, turbans, headgear and more, all fit for the love celebration.
The event which embodied sophistication and luxury was declared open with Muslim and Christian prayers said by Rabiu Isyaku, Chairman IRS group and the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele.
Some of the highpoints of the event, dramatic screen and light displays alongside sparklers and low fog came up to captivate the atmosphere. As the lovebirds settled down at the separate lavishly decorated stage prepared only for them, guests were treated to an exquisite culinary experience with fine-dining selection of Nigerian and oriental dishes.
The love and happiness between the newly wedded was just so evident and contagious as they glimpsed and whispered romantically to each other intermittently.
Beaming with smiles, the bride’s father, who doubles as ‘Dan Dubin Minna’, expressed gratitude to the Presidency, his colleagues and others who graced the event.
His words: “I feel fulfilled and the family is humbled. I have given my daughter and her siblings all the needed training. I told her she belongs to both families. I also told her to hold on to three things: ‘Tolerance, perseverance, and honesty.’ I wish them a happy and peaceful married life.”
Sani Musa also conveyed his gratitude to President Tinubu, said that he received a call from the President, saying that he won’t be physically present just as the Senator reinstated his loyalty to national service.
Vice President Shettima hailed prayers for the couple just as he rallied support for his principal and national building.
On his part, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, described Zainab and Hamman as well brought up by their parents, wishing them a peaceful marriage blessed with good children.
His words: “ I congratulate both the families of the groom and the bride, our prayers are with the couples, they came from very fantastic backgrounds and they have been well trained. Ours is to pray that God will guide you with wisdom, good health of body and mind and also fruits of the womb. May your children grow up to be proud of this country Nigeria and not a reproach.”
Speaking on behalf of the women and Senators’ wives who gathered at the venue, wife of the Senate President, Mrs Ekaite Nneoma Akpabio, praised the courage exhibited by the bride, saying that she is indeed ready for marriage.
The cutting of the cake and toast was conducted by the Ministerial Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, who also happens to be a niece to the bride.
Heart warming speeches were given by the bride’s sister, Ms Aisha and her friend, Sumayyah who narrated the genesis of the beautiful couple’s love story, describing their characters as alluring which make them a perfect match for one other.
Nigeria’s Afrobeat artist, Kizz Daniel, France-based Malian artist, Oumou Sanghare and singer Aligita thrilled the audience.
Other dignitaries at the event included the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Umar Bago; Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani; Leader of the Senate, Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele; Deputy Governor Central Bank of Nigeria, Aishah Ahmad; Deputy Senate President, Barau Jibrin; Senator Abdulaziz Yari; other serving Senators and their spouses; 9th Senate Senators and spouses; Ministers; former First Ladies of Niger and Northern states; former Deputy Governors; wife of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Hon. Mrs. Regina Akume; wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Fatimah Abbas Tajudeen; and many other prominent personalities.
