The Bride-price Negotiating night where two distinct cultures were united in matrimony
The usually serene social atmosphere of Jos, Plateau State capital witnessed a compelling convergence of cultural ambassadors from Nigeria’s Niger Delta, the Benue River region as well as other broad spectrum of Nigerian citizens in the first weekend of June. The event was the three-day stretch of traditional and white wedding ceremonies of Dr. Monica Apochi and Engr. Oyeyemi Arubi which brought together two of Nigeria’s most prominent nationalities and cultures, the Idomas and the Itsekiris in a Marital unity. Dr. Monica is of Idoma extraction while Engr ‘Yemi is Itsekiri by birth. Both of them are generational icons who practice their professional proficiencies outside the shores of Nigeria and drew multi-cultural as well as cross-generational witnesses to their wedding day event.
The blending of two great cultures in holy matrimony
The epochal event kick started from the Bride Price Negotiating day in the early evening hours of the 5th of June at the family residence of the bride when the two cultures of first had a life-time hand-shake. It was followed by lengthy whispering conversations which dug deep into the crevices of both cultures and the listening ears of the impending couple as well their cultural ambassadors. All the do(s) and don’t(s) of matrimonial homes across the two cultures were lovingly put on the table and hammered together. Lastly scary bride price figures considered appropriate across the nation were agreed upon. The price was magnanimously waved off by the bride’s family in preference for “absolute care” of their daughter, closing the day on a joyous note.
The couple prepare to share their first matrimonial responsibility.
The traditional wedding took place at The Emerald Hotel, Zaramaganda the following day and witnessed spectacular cultural displays by dance troops from Itsekiri and Idoma nationalities. It drew accolades from invited guests and members of the public who were attracted to the venue.
The climax of the event was the white wedding which took place at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Zaramaganda. The officiating Priest delivered a captivating homily to the congregation and the couple during which he called on them to view the matrimonial institution they were about to enter as a God endowed institution for which a CERTIFICATE OF ADMISSION is always issued while similar certificates do not exist for GRADUANDS, making it a permanent institution for which Engr ‘Yemi and Dr Monica must prepare themselves to build and make sacrifices for its sustenance.
Bride’s Families in their happy moments
Personalities that witnessed the events include patriarchs, matriarchs and friends of the Arubi family of Bateren in Warri South-West Local Government Area of Delta State and their great multitude of friends on the Plateau. Also present were members of various hierarchies of community leadership from Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State. They included Mr. Joseph Ojonye who was Chairman of the reception ceremony of the traditional wedding, the national chairmen of Ugbugbu Community Development Association Comrade Anthony Igoche Udu, Mr. Boniface Onyeke, Abuja based community leader, Dr. Emmanuel Anthony, proprietor of Masaka Central Hospital and Green Ville Olive Specialist Hospital, Abuja, Mrs Ada Abah Chair lady of the traditional wedding reception ceremony, Mr Oduniya Ameh, who led the bride’s father’s family, Gabriel Itodo, a community leader, Mr Matthew Abah-Enyi, Publisher and Editor-In-Chief of Wind Sound Africa, Chief Oko Ekere, Mr. Sylvester Agbo, Chairman of Ugbugbu Community Development Association, Jos branch, Ameh Akor and many others demonstrated whole hearted best wishes for the new couple.
A preponderance of those who witnessed the events and spoke to Wind Sound Africa prayed for and expressed confidence in the eventual roaring success of the marriage in view of the disciplinary upbringings of both bride and bridegroom.
