A symbolic “handshake across the Niger” unfolded on Friday, as Dr Ngozi Otti, youngest sister of Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, traditionally married her heartthrob, Mr Ileri Adeniji from Abeokuta, Ogun State, in a colourful ceremony at Nvosi, Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of Abia.
The ceremony which attracted family members, political associates and dignitaries from across the country, was filled with joy, prayers and emotional tributes.
Dr Ngozi Otti (centre)
In an emotional address, Governor Otti recalled the difficult period following the death of their mother, revealing how the family struggled to keep Ngozi, the youngest child, going during that time.
The Governor paid glowing tribute to those who stood by the family, particularly acknowledging the role played by his wife, Mrs Priscilla Otti, whom he described as Ngozi’s “second mother”.
Mr Ileri Adeniji (centre)
He commended her for rising to the occasion by taking responsibility for the bride’s upbringing, including relocating her to Lagos and ensuring she received proper care and education.
Bride and groom
Governor Otti however, stressed that the ceremony was one of celebration rather than mourning.
“The story will be told another time, but by the time my mother left, the young lady by my right (the bride) was like the handbag of my mother, being the last one.
“We struggled to keep her alive because she wanted to go with her mother. I’m sure she remembers that.
“But then a young woman (Mrs Priscilla Otti) rose up to the responsibility and took her, moved her from Aba, her family house, brought her to Lagos, put her in a boarding school in Lagos and every weekend she was there to cater for her.
“So her second mother is the woman seated by my left. I want to use this opportunity to publicly thank her for rising to the occasion.
“Today is not a day for weeping because weeping had endured for a night and joy had come in the morning. Today is not for weeping, today is for happiness”, the Governor said.
He prayed for the couple, asking God to bless their union with children, success and prosperity, expressing confidence that their marriage was already divinely ordained.
Governor Otti also appreciated guests for attending the ceremony despite the significance of Good Friday in the Christian calendar and prayed that God would reward their sacrifices with blessings, protection and victory over life’s challenges.
Sen David Umahi and Dr Alex Otti
In his remarks, the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, described the marriage as a bridge between the South-East and the South-West, noting that it would strengthen ties in culture, commerce and politics.
Sen.Umahi declared blessings upon the couple and their families and expressed confidence that the union would usher in prosperity and divine favour.
He added that the marriage would stand as a symbol of unity, praying that every challenge the couple might encounter would already have solutions waiting for them.
Also speaking, the wife of the Governor, Mrs Priscilla Otti prayed for peace, joy, fruitfulness and abundant blessings in the couple’s new home, expressing optimism that they would surpass the achievements of their parents and continue to enjoy God’s grace.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Nweze Roy Umahi, described the union as a fusion of two rich cultural heritages, noting that it symbolised a true “handshake across the Niger” between the Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups.
He said the marriage marked the coming together of the Adeniji and Otti families as one, urging both families and friends to give the couple the necessary support to build a strong and enduring home.
“There should be no third-party interference in the marriage of Ngozi and Ileri. Allow them to grow together, and allow them to make mistakes and learn from those mistakes”, he advised.
The event featured vibrant cultural displays, traditional dances and rites, including the symbolic presentation of a ceremonial drink to the bride to search for her groom, as well as the presentation of gifts to the couple by the bride’s family for the establishment of their new home.
Dignitaries at the ceremony included top government officials, political stakeholders, traditional rulers, clergy and captains of industry from within and outside Abia State, as well as associates from Ogun State.
