Over the weekend, Distinguished Senator Uche Ekwunife, Director General of the Southeast Governors’ Forum, and her husband, Chief Larry Ekwunife (Ochendo Nri), hosted some of Nigeria’s most prominent figures at a glamorous event celebrating the traditional marriage of their son and his beautiful wife, Jessica.
The traditional marriage rites were held between the families of Chief Julian Ojiego (Okigbo) and Dr. (Mrs.) Beatrice Onyinye Ojiego of Osumenyi, and Chief (Sir) Larry Ekwunife (Ochendo) and Senator Uche Ekwunife (Ifekaolaedo), in honor of their children, Jessica Ojiego and Larry Ekwunife Jr.
The ceremony, hosted in Abuja, turned out to be one of the most attended events in recent times. Dignitaries from all walks of life came in large numbers to partake in the joyous occasion with the Ekwunifes.
What was initially intended as a small gathering of friends from both families evolved into a grand celebration, akin to a carnival, in the heart of Abuja. Many guests noted that they had not witnessed such a gathering of elites in recent times, with the event having the feel of a presidential outing.
Dignitaries in attendance included: former First Lady Dame Patience Jonathan, Deputy Speaker of the Federal House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu, former Governor of Anambra State and Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, Sir Peter Obi, former Senate President Anyim Pius Anyim, Former Speaker of House of Representatives Gov. Tambuwa, Former Governors of Crossriver Chief Lyel Imoke and Prof Ben Ayade, Deputy Governors of Delta, Ebonyi, Enugu, Nasarawa, Oyo, Benue, and Imo States, Former Chief of Defense Staff Major General Lucky Irabo and wife, Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral EI Ogalla, Former Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika, Major Gen. M. Onoja, Brigadier Gen. NB Ebulue IG of police Mr. Kayode Egbetoku represented by the DIG operations and DIG Ari Muhammed.
Other high-profile attendees included: Former Minister of Transportation Rt. Hon. Chinuike Rotimi Amaechi, Former Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, Senators Chris Ngige, Kabiru Gaya, Orji Uzor Kalu, Osita Izunaso, Tunji Orubumi, Margret Okadigbo, Tony Nwoye and wife, Rochas Okorocha and wife Ben Obi, Ned Nwoko, and Seriake Dickson; HRH Igwe Iweka of Obosi; the MD of Zenith Bank, Dame Adiora Umeoji; Chief Cubana Obinna Iyiegbu (Okpataozuora); Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi, Chief Kenneth Ifekaudu (Agbalanze Ozubulu), Mr. Mele Kolo Kyari (GMD of NNPCL), Hon. Dozie Nwankwo, Regent of Nri Ancient Kingdom Prince Ikenna Onyeso, Dr. Uche Nworah and Chief Sylvester Okonkwo (Okwuluora).
Also in attendance were Chief Chris Uche (SAN), Chief Emeka Etiaba (SAN), Chief Chris Ubah (Eselu) Chief Paul Chukwuma, Amb. Elijah Onyeagba, Chief Pete Ibida, Chief Chris Ndubuisi (Ikenga Umuawulu), Chief Obiora Okonkwo (Dikeora Idemili), Hon. Ifeanyi Ibezi, Barr. Obinna Uzor, Chief Nicholas Ukachukwu, Barr. Kingsley Udeh, Chief Charles Chidolue, CEO Bolton White Apartment, many members of the House of Representatives; captains of industry; religious leaders; royal fathers, among many others.
Indeed, Senator Uche Ekwunife is an exceptional personality, admired by many.
© Prince Tony Ezeimo (Ikenga-Nimo) writes from Abuja.
