Honesty, patience, compassion strong pillars of marriage, VP Shettima tells gathering at Buratai daughter’s wedding

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday called on Nigerian families to entrench honesty, patience, and compassion, saying these virtues are the bedrock of enduring marriages and a peaceful nation.

Shettima made the remarks at the wedding reception of Aishatu Tukur Buratai, daughter of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai (rtd), and her husband, Malam Umar Abba Zoru.

The ceremony was held at the Tukur and Tukur Farm along the Abuja–Keffi Road in Nasarawa State.

The event drew a high-profile crowd of serving and retired military officers, cabinet members, traditional rulers, and political leaders.

Addressing guests, the Vice President described marriage as the first school of character and nation-building.

“I charged families and communities to promote the values of honesty, patience, and compassion, for it is at home that these values are tested every day,” Shettima said.

“Our faith describes marriage as half of religion, and I have always understood why. It is at home that patience, honesty, and mercy are tested daily, far from the applause of strangers.”

He congratulated the newlyweds and praised both families for their reputation for service and discipline.

“Today, we celebrate Aishatu and Umar, and the families that raised them. Both households are known for service, discipline, and restraint,” the Vice President added.

“Strong families produce responsible citizens. And responsible citizens build stable communities. That is how we build a strong Nigeria.”

Lt. Gen. Buratai served as Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021. Since retiring, he has remained active in counterterrorism advocacy, military reform, and strategic diplomacy at both national and international levels.

Guests described the reception as “colourful and memorable”, with prayers offered for the couple’s union and for peace across the country.

In his closing remarks, Shettima said the gathering was a reminder that Nigeria’s progress depends on what happens inside homes.

“If we want unity, if we want development that lasts, then we must start from our homes. The values we teach our children today will determine the Nigeria of tomorrow,” he stated.

The wedding marks one of the first major family events for the Buratai household since the former army chief bowed out of service.