Odita Sunday 
Umahi, Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun, Otti, Elumelu, Others Celebrate Shekina, Shope’s Wedding
By Odita Sunday
Prominent political leaders, business moguls and statesmen on Saturday converged on Lagos to celebrate the wedding of Shekina Chidinma Umahi, niece of the Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi and Shope Alexandra Ayinde.
The couple were joined in holy matrimony at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Powerlink Chapel, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, in a ceremony attended by Lagos State Governor, His Excellency Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ogun State Governor, His Excellency Dapo Abiodun, Abia State Governor, His Excellency Dr. Alex Otti; and several other dignitaries.
The wedding brought together governors, senior government officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers, captains of industry, family members and friends from across the country to celebrate the union.
Shekina is the daughter of Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Pastor Obi Abel Umahi, while Shope is the son of Commodore NN (Rtd.) Deacon Adebayo Abidemi Ayinde.
Senator Engr. David Umahi, who also serves as the Deputy Director-General of Infrastructure, Mobilization and Sensitization of the 2027 APC Presidential Campaign Council, attended the ceremony to celebrate with his niece and the families of the newlyweds.
Governor Dr. Alex Otti chaired the occasion and, in his opening remarks, described marriage as a lifelong commitment, urging the couple to embrace patience, understanding and tolerance as they begin their journey together.
With humour, Otti stressed the permanence of marriage and encouraged the newlyweds to approach their union with a strong commitment to making the marriage work.
“I want to tell you in advance that I won’t be present and as such, I declare that this marriage is indissoluble,” he said.
The parents of the bride and groom, in separate remarks, expressed gratitude and joy at witnessing the marriage of their children.
They described Shekina and Shope as outstanding young people who had distinguished themselves through their formative years and into adulthood, adding that they had continued to make their respective families proud.
They also prayed for God’s guidance, peace, happiness and prosperity in the marriage and wished the couple a fulfilling life together.
The Umahi family formally welcomed the couple with the presentation of family gifts.
On behalf of the Umahi family, the Chairman of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Laz Umahi, PhD, presented the gifts to the newlyweds.
Other governors represented at the ceremony included the Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, represented by his deputy, Her Excellency Patricia Obila; Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Peter Mbah, represented by his deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Usman Ododo, represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo; Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, represented by the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea; and Governor of Anambra State, His Excellency Chukwuma Soludo, represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor.
The gathering also attracted prominent business leaders, statesmen and other distinguished personalities, including Mr. Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings; Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Bureau of Public Procurement; Admiral Alison Madueke, GCON, former Chief of Naval Staff; Mr. Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of UBA, represented by Chidi Okpara; Prof. Patrick Utomi; Mr. Adebiyi Olalekan, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Lorelei Construction Limited; Engr. Solomon Dacree; Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, Chairman of Orient Global Limited; Chief Ifeanyi Clement Okorie, Chairman of Rock Results Group; and Barr. Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South East), among others.
The Ministry of Works was also represented at the ceremony by the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Goronyo; Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works; Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works; and Engr. Musa Saidu, Director of Highways, Bridges and Designs, among others.
Other members of the Umahi family at the ceremony included HRH Eze Laz Umahi, PhD, Chairman of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council; Barr. Roy Umahi, SAN, FCArb, of Roy and Associates; and Chief Austine Umahi (Anyanwu Igbo), Chairman of the Amino Kano University Board.
The wedding provided an opportunity for the two families, their friends and well-wishers to celebrate the union and offer prayers and goodwill for a happy, peaceful and enduring marriage.
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