Encomium
– President’s wife, billionaires and high society pillars assemble
AFTER Yola and Kaduna wedding fatiha and the mother’s night ceremony that officially united Sheriff Shagaya and Maryam Tukur, the party train moved to Lagos for the final lap of the nuptial. A wedding luncheon that attracted power brokers in the country, socialite, fashionistas and tycoons to the grand ball was staged at Eko Hotel New Expo Hall, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The dress code for the Saturday, November 13, 2010, lavish event was gold lace and orange and gold damask which was said to have cost over N100,000. The event alone will go down in history as one of the most experience.
ENCOMIUM Weekly was in the house and brings you all that happened there…
THE LOVE STORY OF SHERIFF AND MARYAM SHAGAYA
Since they met over two years ago during a vacation trip to Nigeria from the UK where they were educated, Sheriff and Maryam became an item and were inseparable. Those close to them watched from the side as their love grew till their wedding bell tolled. Sheriff, first of the five male children of billionaire female mogul, Hajia Bola Shagaya is an Economics graduate of the University of Bradford, United Kingdom. A polo buff, he is raking in money from oil business. Maryam, a medical doctor, graduated from the University of Leicester, UK. She is the daughter of Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, chairman NEPAD Business Group and executive president, African Business Roundtable. Her mother is Hajia Aisia Bamanga Tukur, a Fulani
LONGER BRIDAL TRAIN
The bridal train was heavily populated by friends of the couple. Halima Babangida, daughter of retired General Ibrahim Babangida led other Maids of Honour to the venue. Others were Yante Banigo, Simi Idowu, Bola Abiola, they all dazzled in a gold floor sweeping gown. The best man was Shamsudeen Saliu Albankudi, the groom’s men were Jameel Disu, Rotimi Makanjuola, Hakeem Shagaya, Ibrahim Akilu, Kabir Shagaya, Kala Saro and Aminu Babangida, who runs an oil company, Phnonik Oil, Abuja with the groom.
THEIR NUPTIAL DRESSES
The groom, Sheriff Shagaya appeared simple in a lovely grey suit, a white shirt and a golden tie. Maryam wore a full bodied floor sweeping wedding gown. The two dresses were picked from one of the popular bridal stores in London.
THE CARS THEY RODE IN
Hajia Bola Shagaya, the mother of the groom cruised to the venue in a Rolls Royce Phantom with registration number FQ 440 ABJ. The couple also settled for a black Rolls Royce new delivery said to have cost the family of the groom a fortune.
ON THE RED CARPET
The taste of glamour and panache as characterized at the wedding luncheon started on the red carpet. Here guests were treated to a spectacular scenario of lightings in a glass ambience put up by Open Hands. From the red carpet to inside the hall, it was royalty all the way.
BAMANGA TUKUR’S SIMPLICITY
Father of the bride and one-time presidential aspirant, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur didn’t pose a familiar figure as one of Nigeria’s richest men. The businessman from Yola, Adamawa State wore his usual simple agbada and sat with Gen. Halilu Akilu (retd) where both gisted for long.
BANKE MESHIDA-LAWAL’S TOUCH
BM Pro’s front woman, Banke Meshida-Lawal got her hands full going everywhere with the couple from Kaduna to Yola. The gifted make-up artist was responsible for the bride’s outstanding appearance.
MOTHER OF THE DAY
Her Excellency, Dame Patience Jonathan was the mother of the day. Before her arrival in the afternoon, the Eko Hotel and surrounding vicinity had been heavily guarded by fierce looking mobile policemen, combat ready soldiers and the SSS. Her arrival, however, changed the course of the wedding luncheon. The First Lady supervised the cutting of the cake. Her speech attracted silent but interesting comments from guests.
CHAIRMAN’S ADVICE
Chairman of the day, Hon. Justice George Adesola Oguntade, played his role properly. The retired justice of the Supreme Court told Maryam to always make her home very welcoming for her husband and to Sheriff, “Watch the friends you now keep and he active in things that border on your family welfare.”
THE PRESIDENTIAL VILLA STAFF
Some privileged staff of Aso Rock were among the First Lady’s entourage. They needed no introduction as their tags did that for them. Numbering over ten and in suit, they were at the beck and call of Dame Patience Jonathan.
LET US PRAY
The wedding luncheon that united Sheriff and Maryam Shagaya was committed into the hands of God by the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji Mohammed Bashir.
FARIDA WAZIRI JOINS THE HIGH SOCIETY
Economics and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) boss, Mrs. Farida Waziri, no doubt, is steadily becoming a regular face among the high and mighty. The anti-graft agency highest ranking staff stormed the event in the aso ebi gold lace with orange and gold damask. She shielded her identity under a dark goggle and didn’t leave her seat till she departed the premises.
DONELL JONES FLOWN IN FROM THE US
American R & B star, Donell Jones flew in days before the luncheon exclusively for the couple. Though to bring in a big star like him would have cost a fortune, his responsibility was just to usher in the couple into the hall and then sing for them at dancing time. The award winning singer didn’t disappoint.
LUNCH BREAK
The wedding got a break at lunch time. It was a buffet with 15 serving points located around the hall. Choice delicacies provided by the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos were on parade.
BEST DRESSED OF THE DAY
The battle for the best dressed was tight as power dressers jostled for attention. In the female category, Mrs. Nana Otedola, Nkiru Anumudu, Mrs. Yinka Adedayo, Senator Florence Ita Giwa, Hajia Abba Folawiyo, Olori Ladun Sijuwade, Mrs. Caroline Adeneye, Mo Abudu, Mrs. Onari Duke, Mrs. Mary Inegbese, Chief (Mrs.) Nike Akande, Mrs. Farida Waziri, won in all fronts. In the male category, Paddy Adenuga, Tony Elumelu, Tayo Aderinokun, stood out.
THE EVENT PLANNER
Yewande Zaccheus’ Eventful put the lavish event together. From the wedding Fatiha in Yola to the traditional mothers’ night in Kaduna, the event planner was superb. They had minimal job at the luncheon since Eko Hotel took care of all other things.
THE BILLIONAIRES’ CLUB
The men whose worth can’t be calculated by the adding machine were in attendance, a testimony of the clout of the two families. Mr. Femi Otedola, Mr. Jim Ovia, Chief Tunde Folawiyo and Oba Otudeko were in that exclusive club.
TWO GOVERNORS IN ATTENDANCE
Governors of Osun and Abia State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola and Theodore Orji, threw their weight behind the lavish ceremony.
THANK YOU FOR COMING
That was exactly the gesture of the mother of the moment, Hajia Bola Shagaya to guests as they departed. The billionaire businesswoman did just that from one table to another.
BETWEEN PAST AND PRESENT FIRST LADIES
There were past first ladies in attendance, Mrs. Funke Agagu, Mrs. Margaret Alamiesiegha, Justice Fati Abubakar and those in the present category, Dame Judity Amaechi, Mrs. Margaret Obi, Hajia Zainab Idris, Justice Binta Nyako, Hajia Fatima Ali Modu Sheriff. The difference between the two categories was that while the first ladies still in office got the official recognition, the ones who had served before were silent all through the proceedings.
SPEAKER DIMEJI BANKOLE SNEAKED IN WITH WIFE
Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Dimeji Bankole was with his wife, Olaitan at the ceremony. The politician in his white outfit didn’t stay long even though he arrived late.
SANUSI DAGGASH CIRCULATES
Minister of Works, Senator Sanusi Daggash replicated his boisterous nature at the ceremony moving from one part of the hall to another. The former Senator of the Federal Republic nearly exchanged pleasantries with every guests.
HALIMA BELLO COMES OF AGE
Halima Bello, beautiful daughter of billionaire Alhaji Aliko Dangote, is no longer the girl next door. Since she got married to Sulaiman Bello, son of Col. Sanni Bello in Kano in 2008, the sweet looking babe steadily learnt the ropes and she is not doing badly.
TY BELLO GETS BUSY
The photography section of the nuptial was handled by top photographer and music artist, Toyin Shokegun of the now rested KUSH. The crooner known with the song, The land is green was on her seat dishing out orders to her team intermittently.
ALISTAIR SOYODE’S ROLE
BEN TV CEO, Alistair Soyode was in the house doing a detailed recording of proceedings. His major task is to make sure the wedding was aired in Europe.
OBA AKIOLU CAME
Lagos monarch, Oba Rilwan Osuolale Akiolu lit up the venue with his appearance. The first class monarch was with his white cap chiefs and didn’t stay long before he disappeared.
REMINISCENCES AS NTA GIRLS REUNITED
On-air personalities who had at one time or the other appeared on national network, NTA, came together for the nuptial. Some of them were flown in from Abuja by Hajia Bola Shagaya. We had Moji Makanjuola, Modele Sharafa Yusuf and NTA new recruit, Seun Olagunju.
ON THE BAND STAND
Top wedding performer, Shuga Band pallied with King of World Beats, King Sunny Ade to provide choice tunes.
OTHERS ON THE GUESTS LIST
Aremo Olusegun Osoba, his wife, Beere Derin Osoba, Mrs. Pelebo Banigo, Otunba Mohammed Jobifele, Hajia Titi Atiku, Chief Mike and Mary Inegbese, Dr. Lai Mohammed, Chief (Mrs.) Teju Phillips, Andy Uba, Chief Alex Duduyemi, Rear Admiral Mike Akhigbe (retd), Professor Dora Akunyili, Admiral Jubril Ayinla, John Obayuwana, Chief Demola Seriki, Alhaji Sani Dangote, etc.
Couple speaks
‘He is very caring’
- Maryam Tukur
How does it feel to be married?
It feels great, I am very happy. I feel so excited.
How will you describe your husband?
He is very caring, handsome and understanding.
What are your expectations now that you are married?
I expect good things, happiness, love and prosperity, in the name of Allah.
‘Her appearance was the first attraction’
- Sheriff Shagaya
Congratulations, how will you describe your wife?
Maryam is my heartbeat.
What attracted you to her?
Her beauty was the first attraction.
‘What I will miss about my daughter’
- Hajia Aisia Bamanga Tukur, Bride’s mother
How do you feel today?
I feel very happy. It feels awesome seeing all these wonderful people around to celebrate with me. I am excited and grateful. I give glory to Almighty Allah.
How will you describe your daughter and her growing up?
She is very humble, friendly and kind. She grew up to be very hard working and gentle.
What will you miss about her?
I will miss everything about her. I can’t just start mentioning all that I will miss about her.
How will you describe the Shagayas?
Sheriff is a good boy, he is hard working, friendly, God fearing and humble.
What is your prayer and wish for them?
I wish them all the good things that comes from Allah and I pray that Almighty Allah be with them and bless them abundantly. I wish them happy married life. Insha Allah.
‘I am full of prayers for them’
- Alhaji Bamanga Tukur
How does it feel to have given your daughter out in marriage?
We thank God that I am able to see my daughter married. I am full of prayers for them to live long in God’s presence. I wish them well.
How will you describe your in-law?
Fantastic, Bola Shagaya is a legend. She is an epitome of respect, she always stand tall among her peers. She instills discipline in her children that’s why I am confident that they are fantastic family.
On another note, what in your own view are the secret of success?
To be honest and hard working. To be patriotic and loyal to God.
What is the greatest mistake most young men make that hinders them from achieving their full potential?
Being in a hurry to be relevant.
What is your impression about money?
Money is only a medium of purchase. It should not be taken as the ultimate, it should not be worshipped.
Are there things you can’t afford now with money?
You cannot buy character with money, you cannot buy honesty with money. You cannot buy life with money and of course, you cannot buy happiness.
