The Executive Governor of Abia State, His Excellency, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, and his wife, Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Chidimma Otti, on attended and chaired the wedding ceremony of the daughter of Bayelsa State Governor, His Excellency Senator Douye Diri.
The bride, Dr. Stephanie Ebidenere Diri, was joined in holy matrimony with Mr. Ballad Tamaradoubra.
The Abia First Family participated fully in the ceremony, beginning with the Church service at the Royal House of Grace International Church [Greenland Paris], Yenagoa, where the couple exchanged vows, followed by the reception which was chaired by Governor Otti.
Governor Otti congratulated Stephanie and Ballad and prayed for a happy and successful marriage as they begin their marital journey.
Referencing the biblical scripture that says “a man shall leave his father and mother, be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh,” Governor Otti said: “Today, both of you are leaving your immediate families to make a new family, and our prayer is that this union will be successful.”
In his words of admonition, the Governor noted that disagreements would inevitably arise in marriage. He urged the couple to always resolve their differences internally without involving third parties, including relatives and friends.
He cautioned that involving third parties could be counterproductive, as relatives and friends might approach such matters with bias. He therefore advised the couple to manage their affairs wisely, understand their respective responsibilities, and fulfil their roles to each other.
The Governor also prayed God to bless the couple with as many children as they desire and grant them the resources, wisdom, and strength to raise them well.
The officiating minister, Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Founder and General Overseer of the Royal House of Grace International Church, commended Governor Otti for his good works and development initiatives in Abia State, particularly his massive investment in road infrastructure.
He cited the reconstruction and rehabilitation of major roads in Abia, noting that the improved road network has made it easier to travel from Rivers State through Port Harcourt Road in Aba, onto the Ikot Ekpene Road and onward to Uyo in Akwa Ibom State. He said such journeys were difficult and stressful in the past because of bad roads.
Apostle Aggrey also thanked Governor Otti for giving the late Rev. Dr. Uma Ukpai a befitting State burial and for immortalizing him by naming the recently reconstructed and dualized Umuahia-Tower to Onu-Imo Federal Road after the renowned cleric.
The wedding ceremony attracted an array of dignitaries from across the country, including: Rivers State Governor, His Excellency Sir Siminalayi Fubara; Kogi State Governor, His Excellency Usman Ododo; Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; Former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Didi Esther Walson-Jack, among others.
Governor Otti was accompanied to the wedding by the Secretary to the Abia State Government, Dr. Emmanuel Meribole, and the State Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Ikechukwu Uwanna, SAN.
Ctz. UKOHA, NJOKU UKOHA
Chief Press Secretary to the Executive Governor of Abia State.
