American-based pharmacist and daughter of a former Managing Director of Union Bank of Nigeria, Alhaji Salihu Abubakar-Ehimeakhe, Mariam, got married to Aliyu, an accountant with Schlumberger and the first son of the late Alhaji Suleiman Abubakar at a colourful ceremony in Lagos. NNEKA NWANERI was there.The young woman walked down the aisle with measured steps. She was aware of stares from the crowd as she took her steps determinedly, holding on to her father with one hand and a bouquet of roses in the other. She radiated joy.Guests and well wishers nodded to themselves approvingly and smiled at her with admiration.She drew their attention for a number of reasons. Her exotic lookshigh cheek bones, black brows beautifully arched above large dark eyes, partly shielded by a white net veilwere enthralling to behold. This was the scene when Mariam, the daughter of a former Managing Director of Union Bank, Alhaji Salihu Abubakar-Ehimeakhe got married to Aliyu Abubakar, at a colourful nikkah.Though beautiful in the classical sense, her unique look, just like her father, and graceful steps arrested everyones attention.Her wedding clothes were simple. She wore a netted sleeved, white rose flowered flowing gown. Her hair was perfectly covered to the last strand. Her jewelry were midi-dropping earrings. As she made her entry, the walkway was littered with white and gold rose petals, sprinkled by three little flower girls.It was her day of joy last Saturday as she took a vow for a lasting union with Abubakar, at the Civic Centre, Ozumba Mbadiwe Street, on Victoria Island, Lagos.Crystal balls hung from the roof of the waterfront cape as the audience savoured the seaside breeze and watched the Lagos landscape, high-rise buildings and vehicles moving from afar.Many shone in tea green (a bluish shade of green) laces and burgundy (dark red) head gears while other women covered their heads according to the Islamic custom during the ceremony.An Imam from Houston, United States, Luqman Adeyemo was the officiating minister. Just before the Nikah rites and Aqdun (solemnisation), he delivered a sermon, explaining the essence of Nikah in Islam. According to him, it is to follow the instructions of Allah.Quoting the Holy Quran, Chapter 4, he said marriage is not done for business, but by freewill where a man is free to marry a woman of his choice.He urged Aliyu to hold his household firm, describing Mariam as a virtuous woman.He told the couple to ensure that their courtship does not end in honeymoon, but continues forever.Make her happy because she will make you happy, the cleric told the groom as he asked him if he was willfully ready to take her as his wife. Aliyu answered Yes.Both parents also gave their consent to the union. Alhaji Mutairu Bello represented the father of the groom.Thereafter, the cleric read the Khutbah for the marriage to be solemnised.Just as they were pronounced Man and wife, Aliyu took off the veil on Mariams face. They said their vows.Mariam read out a prepared speech where she said she was proud to have finally taken Aliyus last name and promised to be his biggest fan. Aliyu also promised to love her till eternity.The Civic Centre, venue of the event was filled with guests. While the couple had group photographs at one corner of the venue; guests had cocktails on the ground floor of the venue.There was enough to eat and drink at the reception, which held on the first and second floors of the centre as soon as the photograph session was over. They elderly ones used the elevators while the young ones used the stair case.The halls were decorated in style. It was lit by coloured lights. Two candles were lit on each table. The Groove band supplied good music while comedian Gbenga Adeyinka was the master of ceremonies.Former Managing Director of Daily Times, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi chaired the occasion. Dr Ogunbiyi, who was the brides fathers childhood friend, said he remembered vividly when Mariam was born. He urged guests to remember them in prayers.In proposing the toast, sister of the bride, Zulei Abubakar-Ehimeakhe, said the couples match is one made in heaven. She also recalled that they met two years ago through a mutual friend in an unconventional manner. While Mariam was in Houston in USA, Aliyu was in Nigeria.At that point in time, none of them was interested in meeting anybody because they didnt feel like the long distance relationship would worth the while. Eventually, having conversed, travelled and had series of meetings, they realised they were meant for each other and the rest is history.Their love is infectious and they are so happy together. I remember she came to me once and said Zulei I think I have found the one that gives her butterflies and makes her feel in a way she has never felt, she said.Alhaji Bello said he was happy his daughter-in-law has the three encrypts as commanded by the Holy Quran: family background, character and peoples opinion.In attendance were the wife of the late publisher of The Guardian Newspaper, Mrs Maiden Ibru; Bashorun Jaiye Randle; the Paramount Ruler of Remo Kingdom, Oba Akangba Sonariwo; the Elepe of Epe, Oba Adewale Osiberu and others.The post She is a virtuous woman appeared first on The Nation.]]>
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