By Tony Adibe
In what many guests described as a kind of “carnival”, the Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District(Labour Party), Sir Victor Umeh on Saturday gave out his pretty daughter, Chidinma Uzoamaka in a traditional marriage ceremony, which attracted people from all walks of life.
The lucky young man, Obinna Cyril Ifeanyi was full of smiles when Uzoamaka, having been “commanded” in the traditional manner by her father to “go search for your husband from the huge audience”, actually “tracked” her handsome heartthrob. Obinna is the son of Chief Obiora Cyril Ifeanyi, a.k.a. Gburugburu of Ihiala, in Mbosi Ihiala Local Government Area, Anambra State.
The elaborately decorated Main Hall of Amadeo Event Centre, Enugu (with all the sparkling and blinking lights of various colours) was filled to the extent that if one threw up tiny grains, they wouldn’t find their way on the floor! Despite that the occasion was ‘Strictly’ on invitation, it was, however, as if all roads led to the venue! Had Senator Umeh made it an open invitation, he probably would have needed a the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu to contain guests! The security personnel had hectic time controlling people and vehicles which flooded the entire expansive premises. There was traffic gridlock stretching from the event center to the Ebeano-Tunnel Crossing Road!
NewsBits was informed that the Enugu venue of the ceremony was chosen to enable guests from the northern and western parts of Nigeria to attend conveniently. “Later, the white wedding will be held somewhere in Lagos,” a guest volunteered to this writer. But this information was not confirmed by Senator Umeh.
Among the VIPs who graced the colourful ceremony included the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general elections, Mr. Peter Obi, Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe (Abia State), Obinna Ogba (Ebonyi State), Okey Ezra (Enugu State), and, in fact, other members of both lower and upper Chambers of the National Assembly from the Southeast Zone. The event also attracted other dignitaries such as Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu (nee C.C. Onoh), Chief Emmanuel Okala of the Rangers FC fame, former President General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Nnia Nwodo, and its former Secretary General, Dr. Joe Nworgu, respectively. There were also traditional rulers, leaders of industries, members of the clergy, etc.
Also, different cultural dancers were available who thrilled guests lavishly! Even now Nigerians are complaining and protesting against widespread hunger in the land, Senator Umeh and his wife, lady Prisca Umeh, prepared sumptuous meals and assorted drinks for the thousands of guests who honoured their invitation. Someone said that like Okonkwo in Achebe’s “Things Fall Apart”, Senator Umeh doesn’t know how to do things in half. Just as there were more than enough momentous for the guests, although those who were in charge of distribution, “looked at faces” before giving the items to guests, a rather sad development that caused murmurings among some people.
Earlier, the excited Senator Umeh, who danced and danced, as he moved around to exchange greetings with people, prayed God Almighty to protect and bless the new couple now they move to the next stage of life.
Presenting his beautiful daughter to his son in-law, and as if demanding a further reassurance from the son in-law, Senator Umeh said: “Obinna, you came to take Chidinma as your choice; does she, indeed, please you as your choice?” The question was answered in the affirmative.
Senator Umeh further said: “Obinna, it shall be well for both of you. You two shall live long. I ask God Almighty who joined you two together to give you long life; our Holy Mother Mary will help you both. I pray for God’s guidance and blessings upon two of you.”
Also pouring out his blessing, Obinna’s father, Chief Obiora Cyril Ifeanyi (Gburugburu of Ihiala), prayed God to bless the new couple with fruit of the womb.
“Obinna and Chidinma, after today, you will get double blessing; you will go home and do what will prove you two as man and woman, and you will bear fruits. You will bear male and female fruits to the glory of God Almighty who has made you husband and wife today,” prayed Chief Ifeanyi.
