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From Kenneth Udeh, Abuja
If they say love is a beautiful thing, then it’s worth celebrating with splendour and class. Such was the case on August 12, 2023.
That day, Nigeria’s A-List political gladiators and captains of industries converged to celebrate the nuptial ceremony of Ms. Zainab Hasina Sani Musa, daughter of Distinguished Senator Mohammed Sani Musa and Mrs. Hajia Sa’adatu Sani Musa.
In a profound 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 torrential rainfall, men and women of timber and calibre led by President Asiwaju Bola Tinubu defied the unfriendly 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 National Mosque.
After the settlement of the bride price as custom demands, steadfast prayers were showered on the couple, signaling the tone for a blissful forever route.
Dignitaries present at the occasion include the Chief of Staff to the President, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila; the Etsu Nupe, Yahaya Abubakar; business tycoon Aliko Dangote; former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar; governors and members of the 10th Senate and House of Representatives, among others.
Fortified spiritually, the love birds were set for the most exquisite wedding experience to be held the next day, Saturday. As early as 3pm invited guests were already making their arrival at the International Conference Center Abuja, venue for the event organised by Lagos-based luxury event planners, Zapphaire Events.
Based on the adherence to the strictly by invitation order of the event, only accredited guests were allowed in as they made their way to the magical breathtaking fairytale themed hall set up by Blue Velvet. The guests were serenaded with music delivered by the String Quad and their taste buds stimulated with savory Cocktails.
The elegantly dressed Zapphaire hostesses showed guests their seats as they geared up to witness an evening of indelible celebration of love. On ground to coordinate the activities lined up for all present were prolific Dj Stan, Mc Andy and Aloy.
All set to honour Zainab, a successful entrepreneur and graduate from the prestigious University College London and a Masters Degree holder from the Imperial College UK and her groom, graduate from the University of Brighton UK, MSc holder from the University of Sussex UK and Ph.D from Nile University, Abuja.
The grand entries of the bride and groom’s families heralded the commencement of the reception. It began with the groom’s mother, Hajia Ya Bawa Wahabi, a former minister of finance and current board member, Dangote Group of companies and the groom’s father, Alhaji Bakari Yerima Wubi Hamman. They were fllowed by bride’s parents – 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 bride’s relatives led by her grandmother, Hajia Aisha Suleiman Danladi, her siblings, Suleiman, Ibrahim and Aisha, among others. It was the same for the groom’s relatives and a grand entry by 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 made of 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.
The highpoints of the event included dramatic screen and light displays alongside sparklers and low fog came up to captivate the atmosphere. As the lovebirds settled down at the 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 bride and groom were just so obvious as they stole glances and whispered romantically to each other intermittently.
Beaming with smiles, the bride’s proud father, who is the ‘Dan Dubin Minna’, expressed his 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. According to him, he received a call from Tinubu in which he was informed 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 and also rallied support for his principal and national building. He said: “They must put God first and also tolerance and maturity. I wish the couple to be blessed with twins, triplets and quadruplets. I wish them all the happiness that life has in store. This is a gathering of a larger Nigeria and I believe that what binds us is greater than what separates us, and we are in the course of making history. My principal, President Bola Tinubu, is a man of courage and conviction, I urge us all to unite and support him.”
On his part, the President of the Senate described Zainab and Hamman as well brought up by their parents. He wished 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 come 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 momen of substance and senators wives 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.
Ekaite urged the groom to be supportive and loving to his wife. “It’s a day of love and celebration. The bride is very ready and confident of the marriage which I have seen. I have also seen that she’s a child of God. She knows what she wants and what she wants to achieve. I call on the husband to be very caring and supportive and I also see him as loving one,. May Almighty Allah be by your side forever in this marriage,” she said.
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. She described their characters as beautiful, which makes them a perfect match for one another.
To delight of the guests, thrilling music performances were given by Nigeria’s A-List AfroBeat artist, Kiizz Daniel. Others include France-based Malian artist, Oumou Sanghare, and indigenous singer, Aligita.
Aside those earlier mentioned, others on the roll call of dignitaries were 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 and Senator Abdulaziz Yari.
Serving senators and their respective spouses, 9th senate senators and spouses, ministerial designates, former first ladies of Niger and northern states, former deputy governors, wife of Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mrs. Regina Akome; wife of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mrs Fatimah Abbas Tajudeen, Android many prominent others.
After the photograph sessions, the attendees throughout the evening reveled in the finest drinks and food, immersing themselves in all the array of fun activities. As conversations flowed effortlessly, friendships were forged and memories made. The couple also took to the dance floor.
As attendees were rewarded with bumper packed take home souvenirs, curtains were drawn on the premium event and with the commencement of an after party at a separate venue within the ICC building. There, guest were thrilled by Naira Marley, Zinoleesky and other top rated artistes, leaving the revelers asking for more till dawn.
