Strong marriages are key to Nigeria’s development — Tinubu
President Bola Tinubu
Abdullateef Fowewe
President Bola Tinubu has reiterated the importance of marriage as a stabilising force for national unity, social cohesion, and sustainable development.
This was obtained in a statement on Monday by Segun Imohiosen
Director, Information & Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government.
Speaking at the solemnisation of holy matrimony between Miss Deborah Ershima and Mr Samuel Aondoakur, son of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, the President, who was represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima, described marriage as “the foundation of the family system, which serves as the bedrock of society.”
He stressed that strong and stable families are indispensable for nurturing core values that hold the country together.
According to him, such families help to instil “tolerance, mutual respect, responsibility, and peaceful coexistence” – values he said are “critical to fostering harmony and unity across the nation.”
In his vote of thanks, the SGF, George Akume, paid glowing tribute to President Tinubu for sending “a powerful delegation led by the Vice President” to grace his son’s wedding.
He also prayed for the Governor of Benue State, noting that “the task of governance is an onerous task” and asking God to grant him the grace to succeed in the discharge of his duties.
Akume congratulated the newlyweds and wished them fruitfulness and mutual support.
He urged Nigerians to rally behind the country with prayers, asserting that the Tinubu-led administration “is making significant strides in key sectors of the economy.”
He called on citizens to support the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and underscored “the importance of collective efforts in driving progress.”
Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, in his remarks, admonished the couple to put God at the centre of their marriage, assuring them that their union would “enjoy God’s blessings” if they do so.
He encouraged them to add value to Benue State in their various endeavours and pledged his support.
The high-profile wedding ceremony attracted several dignitaries, including the Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Prof. Joseph Terlumun Utsev; Minister of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Hon. Zephaniah Bitrus Jisalo; Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha; Director General of the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Mr. Silas Agara; and the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Dr. Plus Akutah.
Also in attendance were members of the National Assembly, members of the Benue State House of Assembly, members of the Benue State Executive Council, and other top government functionaries.
