Diri’s Daughter, Spouse Joined In Matrimony In Bayelsa

Dr Stephanie Ebidenere Diri, first daughter of Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and her spouse, Ballad Tamaradoubra Agbeyei, have been joined in matrimony at the state headquarters of the Royal House of Grace International Church in Yenagoa.

The wedding, held on Sunday, attracted former First Lady of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan, as well as Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti; Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara; and Kogi State Governor, Ahmed Ododo.

Also present were the first ladies of Kwara, Ogun, Delta, Nasarawa and Taraba states, as well as the wife of the former Edo State Governor, Mrs Betsy Obaseki.

The Presiding Overseer of the Royal House of Grace International Church, Apostle David Zilly-Aggrey, joined the couple in matrimony after delivering a sermon titled, “Submitting Unto One Another in Love.”

Zilly-Aggrey urged the couple to build their marriage on love, mutual submission and the fear of God.

He said couples must recognise God's place in marriage and seek divine direction whenever they encounter disagreements or communication challenges.

“Never forget that God is always involved in your union. The fear of God will ensure that everything you do goes right,” he said.

The cleric, who noted that no marriage was perfect, advised the couple to rely on God for guidance in resolving challenges that may arise in their union.

He also commended Governor Douye Diri for choosing to have the wedding in the church, describing it as an honour.

The father of the bride, Senator Douye Diri, and his wife, Dr Gloria Diri, prayed for God's blessings, joy and a successful marriage for the couple.

At the reception chaired by Abia State Governor Dr Alex Otti, the governor congratulated the couple and urged them to develop mechanisms for resolving disagreements without involving third parties.

Otti said marriage comes with challenges and disagreements but stressed the importance of managing differences within the union.

“Today both of you are leaving your immediate families to make your own family and our prayer is that this union will be successful,” he said.

“There are a lot of challenges you will face. You will disagree but what is important is that there must be a mechanism to resolve your differences.”

Among the dignitaries at the ceremony were the wife of the Bayelsa State Governor, Justice Patience Ama-Diri; Deputy Governor, Dr Peter Akpe, and his wife, Dr Favour Akpe; Deputy Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Senator Akon Eyakenyi; former Military Administrator of Bayelsa State, Col. Edor Obi (rtd); and former Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Hon. Peremobowei Ebebi.

Others included the Angolan Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr José Bamóquina Zau; Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Senator Heineken Lokpobiri; National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress, Senator Ajibola Basiru; Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack, and her husband.

Also present were Senators Konbowei Benson, representing Bayelsa Central; Benson Agadaga, Bayelsa East; and Sunday Katung, Kaduna South, who attended with his wife.

Members of the House of Representatives in attendance included Dr Fred Agbedi, representing Sagbama/Ekeremor Federal Constituency; Rodney Ambaiowei, Southern Ijaw; Oforji Oboku, Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma; Dr Mitema Obordor, Ogbia; and Marie Ebikake, Nembe/Brass.

The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Abraham Ingobere; Chief Judge of the state, Justice Matilda Ayemieye; and President of the Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Daniel Ayah, were also present.

Captains of industry and other prominent personalities at the ceremony included High Chief Victor Wayles Egukawhore, Chief Ephraim Faloughi, National Chairman of the Pan Niger Delta Forum, Dr Boladei Igali, Senator James Manager, Prince Uche Secondus, Col. Milland Dikio (rtd), King Bubaraye Dakolo and King Joshua Igbugburu.