By Solomon Umanah
ABAK
The governor of Akwa Ibom has advised newly married couples to build their homes on the foundations of love, mutual respect and understanding.
Pastor Umo Eno, Ph.D, who gave the advice, Saturday, during the wedding ceremony of Miss Inyene Silas Etukudo, daughter of the commissioner for women affairs and social welfare, Mrs Inibehe Etukudo, and her husband, Mr. Ediongsenyene Etim Joseph, which was held at Life of Grace Apostolic Centre, Abak, in Abak Local Government Area, stressed that such values were essential for the sustenance of peace and stability in marriage.
Eno reechoed the message of the officiating minister on the importance of compromise and accommodation in marriage, noting that challenges are inevitable in every home regardless of social status.
“There is no home on earth, even if you are a president, that does not have challenges,” he advised, adding, “run your family well, follow the footsteps of your mother and see how she respects your father, even as a commissioner. Once both of you learn to adjust, life will be comfortable.”
The governor emphasised that couples who embrace cooperation and understanding are better positioned to build lasting and peaceful families.
Governor Eno also expressed appreciation to the church leadership for the warm reception accorded him and members of his entourage and prayed for God’s blessings upon the newlyweds.
Earlier in his homily, the officiating minister, Apostle Godday Udoidung, urged the couple to continually demonstrate love, patience and understanding towards one another.
Apostle Udoidung, whose message was drawn from Ruth 4 verse 11, noted that successful marriages were built on the willingness of both partners to make necessary adjustments and accommodate each other’s interests.
He attributed the increasing incidence of broken homes in the society to the inability of couples to make necessary adjustments in their relationships.
The cleric commended the bride for her years of dedicated service to the church, particularly her commitment to punctuality during worship services and prayed for divine grace upon the couple as they begin their marital journey.
In his remarks, the bride’s father, Elder Silas Etukudo, thanked Governor Eno for appointing his wife into the State Executive Council as commissioner for women affairs and social welfare.
He also appreciated the governor for personally attending the wedding ceremony and prayed for God’s continued guidance and blessings upon his administration.
The bride’s mother and commissioner for women affairs and social welfare, Mrs Inibehe Etukudo, expressed gratitude to the governor for the confidence reposed in her through her appointment and for honouring her family with his presence at the wedding.
She also acknowledged the support of the deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; the coordinator of the Office of the First Lady of Akwa Ibom, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, who attended the traditional marriage ceremony, as well as other government officials, family members, friends and well-wishers who contributed to the success of the wedding celebrations.
The women affairs commissioner further appreciated the leadership of Life of Grace Apostolic Centre for their prayers and support throughout the wedding activities and prayed for God’s blessings upon all attendees.
The ceremony attracted several dignitaries from within and outside Akwa Ibom, including the Cross River State commissioner for women affairs and dean of Commissioners for Women Affairs in Nigeria, Hon. Edema Irom.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of a portrait to Governor Umo Eno by Apostle Godday Udoidung.
Other memorable moments included the exchange of marital vows and rings by the couple, a special choir rendition led by the bride and the presentation of a marriage certificate by the deputy governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi.
The celebration continued at the wedding reception held at Diamond Square Event Centre along Uyo-Abak Road, where guests were lavishly entertained.
The newlyweds cut a five-tier wedding cake, shared their first dance with family and friends, exchanged gifts with guests and received goodwill presents from well-wishers who gathered to celebrate their union.
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