Encomium
STAR comedian, Julius Agwu has tied the knots. The A-class wedding was held in St. Paul’s Anglican Church on Aba-Port Harcourt Road, Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Saturday, May 31, 2008 with the reception at the main hall of Civic Centre. Here are exclusive gists from the nuptial that was attended by the high and mighty…
ALL THE OFFICIATING MINISTERS
Ven. E. O. Okojaja, Very Rev. G. O. Ogu, Rev. Alex Usifo, Rev. Wisdom Ihunwo, Rev. Moses Obinna and Rev. (Prof.) Simeon Achinehwu were on hand to conduct the church wedding service which started by 12 noon. Francis Timothy was the organist while the choir of St. Paul supplied the music.
WHY THE BRIDE CAME LATE
Julius’ wife, Ibiere actually came late for the wedding. And explaining her reason, Governor Rotimi Amaechi joked that the Ikwerre community and the groom’s friends probably raised the bride price pretty late. By the way, the church service ended by 2.40 p.m. But the Governor and his entourage left five minutes before the end of the programme.
THE ROLL CALL
Governor Rotimi Amaechi, The Speaker of Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Tonye Harry, Jude Oditah, Genevieve Nnaji, Rita Dominic, Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Francis Duru, Basorge Tariah, Ejike Asiegbu, Segun Arinze, Elkanah Mowarin, Jedi, Joke Sogunro, KC Presh, Okey Bakassi, Ali Baba, Bisi Olatilo, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Ferdinand Alabaraba, Barrister O. C. Okocha, Opa Williams, Osere Ozako.
THE COUPLE’S WONDEROUS CONVOY
The bridegroom rode to the church in the latest Mercedes Benz S-class, 2008 model. The bride made it to St. Paul’s in a black Escalade and two other Escalade jeeps.
ABOUT THE GROOMSMEN AND CHIEF BRIDESMAID
The groomsmen are Korede Robert, Simeon Adejo, Ifeanyi Okonkwo, Frank Okamigbo, Nobel Igwe, Julius’ best man was Precious Ihunda. Ibiere chose Queen Mac-wuche as chief bridesmaid.
WHAT THEY WORE TO THE WEDDING
Dressed in the best suit money can buy, Julius Agwu wore a two-button Zara designer suit with a white shirt, black shoe (Bevista gave him as a present). He complemented the ensemble with a cream waist coat, orange coloured tie and pocket square.
The bride shone in a free-flowing white wedding gown, bare at the back but for a jacket. The beautiful angel, who wore a tiara was clutching a bouquet of flower. She had a white shoe to match. Oh, we forgot to tell you that Fusion boss, Korede Robert arranged the groom’s wear. It was a two-button black suit, white shirt, green tie and pocket square for the rest while the bridal train wore a greenish material.
THE GOVERNOR’S PARTY
Governor Rotimi Amaechi held a party for Julius and his guests at Government House.
STILL ANOTHER PARTY BY HIS EXCELLENCY
There was never a dull moment for Julius friends and guests who were at Garden City State, Port Harcourt. His Excellency also threw a party for all at Wine Bar in Port Harcourt GRA.
GROOM’S MUM IS SO, SO HAPPY
That’s the best way to describe the mood of Julius Agwu’s mother on her son’s wedding day. And for the groom, it is good to know he is actually getting married.
WHERE THE STARS LODGED
Two lavish hotels were booked to accommodate celebrities. And they are Protea and Grosvenor.
WHO DID WHAT?
The venue was decorated by Newton and David. The cake was made by Tosan Jemide. Mubarak Photos (MGK) were on hand while Reel Laif (owned by the celebrant) did the video recording of the superlative nuptial. Banke Meshida-Lawal flew in a representative to make up the bride.
JUDE ODITAH, OKEY BAKASSI JOIN THE PAPARAZZI
Other than their professions, Megawash’s Jude Oditah and top comedian, Okey Bakassi would have done well as photographers. They were actually everywhere in the church taking photographs.
WHEN ABONEMA HOSTED THEIR IN-LAW
Abonema, was the centre of attraction on Thursday, May 29, 2008. That was the traditional marriage. Chief Alabo Graham Douglas (a former Minister), UBA chairman, Ferdinand Alabaraba, Alariwo and Okey Bakassi accompanied Julius Agwu to his in-law’s place.
THE LONG CONVOY TO THE RECEPTION
There was a long convoy to Civic Centre, Port Harcourt, venue of the reception. This actually held the traffic to a standstill in the city of Port Harcourt.
THE RED CARPET
A red carpet reception was in place. And the place was decorated with flexes (banners) of the pictures of the couple.
OC OKOCHA STAND IN FOR LEO STAN EKEH
Because Zinox Computer boss, Leo Stan Ekeh ws unavoidably absent, UBA chairman, Ferdinand Alabaraba stepped in as chairman. And he did it so well. He advised the groom to allow his wife, Ibiere to take all major decisions while he concentrates on making money.
TALKING ABOUT THE LARGE SCREENS
There were large screens all over the hall at the reception showing different pictures of the couple at different events.
THE COMPERES AT THE RECEPTION PARTY
Julius Agwu’s wedding could go for a mega show as all the stars were literarily performing. Okey Bakassi, Basorge Tariah, Kate Henshaw-Nuttal, Ali Baba and virtually all the comedians in the house were on stage.
- This story was first published in ENCOMIUM Weekly on June 3, 2008
