Top Nigerian political and security leaders have underscored the importance of national unity, peaceful coexistence and shared values as essential pillars for sustainable development in the country.
The call was made in Kaduna at the weekend during the wedding ceremony of Josephine Tirnok, first daughter of the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, and her husband, Shadrach Ojima-Ojo.
Among the dignitaries at the event were the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi; Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia; and Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Inuwa Yahaya.
Ribadu, who was the Father of the Day, was represented by the DSS Director-General, who also served as the Special Guest of Honour, while Governor Inuwa Yahaya was represented by the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Manasseh Daniel Jatau. Governor Hyacinth Alia chaired the occasion.
In their separate remarks, the leaders urged Nigerians to embrace tolerance, mutual respect and collaboration, stressing that peace and development can only be achieved through collective responsibility and unity across ethnic, religious and regional lines.
Speaking at the event, Governor Alia, represented by Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ngbea, a Federal Commissioner with the Federal Civil Service Commission representing Nasarawa, Benue and Plateau States, congratulated the couple and advised them to build their marriage on faith, moral discipline and the support of family and community.
He described marriage as a divine institution and urged the couple to anchor their home on God, “the foundation that never fails.”
Governor Inuwa Yahaya, through his deputy, Manasseh Jatau, described marriage as the most important institution in society and encouraged the couple to make their home a model of peace and understanding.
He noted that the breakdown of family values has contributed significantly to many of the social challenges confronting the nation, urging the couple to prepare for a lifetime of commitment, forgiveness and growth.
Speaking to journalists after the ceremony, the father of the bride, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, called on Nigerian parents to embrace intercultural and inter-ethnic marriages as a pathway to healing the nation’s deep-seated divisions.
He described the union as a symbolic reflection of the harmony Nigeria urgently needs, stressing that love, compatibility and shared values should take precedence over tribe or religion.
Hayab said the peace Nigerians seek must begin from the family, noting that homes that embrace diversity contribute directly to national stability.
He encouraged the newlyweds to build their home on patience, understanding and sacrifice, expressing confidence that they would succeed, even as he disclosed that he would be marking his 30th wedding anniversary in two days.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included the Chief of Staff to the Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Sani Kila Liman, who represented Governor Uba Sani; Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sanbuwa Balarabe; several members of the Kaduna State Executive Council; Mrs. Abigail Marshall Katung, Mayor of Leeds and wife of Senator Marshall Katung; Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Jerry Adams; Hafsatu Aminu Ashiru, Private Secretary to the Deputy Governor; Mrs. Charity Shekari, wife of the late former Deputy Governor, Stephen Shekari; local government chairmen; religious leaders and other guests.
