Encomium
Graphic details and exclusive pictures of the A-list, Saturday, March 22 event
ENCOMIUM Weekly was very much on ground from Friday, March 21 to Sunday March 24, 2014.
And here are happenstances from the superlative ceremony…
ABOUT AZTEC ARCUM
It is one of the most popular event centres in Port Harcourt. Its promoters said it could take over 1000 guests but in reality it should sit a little over 500 guests. The venue is the first choice of most A-list events in the Garden City.
THE WONDROUS VENUE DECORATION
The Wedding Guru, an event management company, transformed Aztec Arcum to a haven of beautiful colours.From peach, pink,gold and white, its aesthetics was simply wondrous.
MR. IBU, MIKE EZURUONYE, AKI, PHYNO GET ROUSING WELCOME
Nollywood actors, Mr. Ibu, Mike Ezuruonye, Aki and the rave of the moment, Phyno got a rousing welcome from fans who thronged the venue. As they entered in their different attires courtesy of Chimex, the fans couldn’t hide their feelings for the love they have for the foursome.
OVER 300 GUESTS GRACED THE COLOURFUL WEDDING
More than 150 celebrities were the early birds. They graced the blue carpet. Prominent among them were Funke Akindele, Ini-Edo, Monalisa Chinda, Darey Art Alade, Banky W, Ice-Prince, MI, Iyanya, Ikechukwu, Julius Agwu, Bracket, Sound Sultan, Dbanj, AY, among others. However, more than 315 were billed to grace the wedding according to the guest list made available to ENCOMIUM Weekly.
…BEST WISHES FROM MUSIC STARS
At the blue carpet was a giant card where music stars scribbled words to felicitate with the couple.
2FACE, WIZKID, OLAMIDE, DAVIDO, MAY D MISSING IN ACTION…
Despite the fact that it’s a star-studded wedding, some notable artistes did not make it. Their names were on the guest list. Among them were Wizkid, Olamide, Davido, Tiwa Savage, Wande Coal, Don Jazzy, Dr. Sid, elDee, 2Face, Timaya, Flavour, May D.
CHIMEX BOSS, KELVIN MADU DISAPPOINTS GROOM’S MEN
Some of the groom’s men were disappointed by the official designer for the wedding attires, Kelvin Madu, who failed to deliver their wears. Although they were not happy, they were spotted having fun in their alternative dresses. ENCOMIUM Weekly learnt that the owner of the clothing line, P-Square’s childhood friend, has a penchant for disappointing as he also disappointed a lot of people during Peter’s wedding in November 2013.
GOV. ROTIMI FULFILS ALL RIGHTEOUSNESS
Governor Rotimi Amaechi was the cynosure of all eyes when he stormed the venue with his entourage. The standing ovation received by the governor showed that he’s loved by the people. Unfortunately, he arrived around 1pm, long before the couple and other top celebrities, and after he waited for some minutes, he left the venue for other commitment within the state. The ceremony was scheduled for 12 noon but it didn’t start until around 2.45 pm.
THE GROOM, BRIDE, PETER, JUDE DROVE IN UNMARKED JAGUAR CARS
First to enter the venue was Peter Okoye. He drove in an unmarked black Jaguar in company of his son, Cameron, and other celebrities. Shortly after, Paul drove in in another Jaguar (blue), alongside Alao Akala’s son, by 2:30pm. Another convoy drove into the venue, and it was Anita in another Jaguar. And finally, the singing sensation elder brother, Jude came alongside Phyno in another Jaguar. They all made it from Swiss International Madisel, the luxury hotel they all lodged.
We gathered that Swiss International is owned by a Bayelsa based business man, Mr. Joe Agagwa, P-Square’s close friend. He even picked the Okoyes at the airport upon their arrival on Friday, March 21, 2014.
CONTINENTAL AND AFRICAN DELICACIES ENOUGH FOR GUESTS
The food vendor, Menaje Limited, a Port Harcourt based catering and cocktail company ensured that guests were treated to delightful delicacies mostly continental such as peppered prawns with sweet peppers, grilled fish with vegetable, fresh fish stew, mixed meat stew, curried beef with vegetable, among other African delicacies like eba, pounded yam, etc.
DESSERTS COMPANY SHOWS LOVE WITH DRINKS
Drinks were handled by I Love Desserts, and there were enough drinks for everybody, irrespective of their status. They also served appertisers.
Planning.com, a Port-Harcourt based company provided beautiful damsels as ushers, clad in mixed light blue, red and brown Da-Viva in Oleku style.
K-SQUARE ENSURES MAXIMUM SECURITY
Expectedly, popular security outfit, K-Square ensured that the security of guests and their property were not compromised. To achieve this, entrance to the event was strictly on invitation. Movement was also restricted in the hall even as police were all around Aztec Arcum.
JUDE AND PETER OKOYE NOT IN THE MOOD TO TALK
It has been observed that Jude Okoye is not the talking type. And he didn’t disappoint us as he bluntly refused to wish his brother, Paul and wife, Anita well. He reminded us he seldom talked to the press.
BRIDES FAMILY ALSO INCOMMUNICADO
It was also pretty difficult to hear from the parents of the bride, Mr and Mrs Emeka and Stella Atokwu- Isama. All we know about them is that they are from Ogwuma Village, Oguta, Imo State. They are blessed with four children: Kenechukwu, Mary, Anita and their only son.
P-SQUARE’S TOWN REVEALED
Psquare are from Ifite Dunu Akwa in Dunukofia LGA Anambra state.Their father’s name is Pa Moses Okoye, a devout born again Christian. P-Square’s late mother’s names were Mrs. Josephine Egodi.
DBANJ, MI, ICE PRINCE CAUSE A STIR
How did we forget to tell you that the Koko Master D’Banj, African rapper number one (M.I) and hip hop star, Ice Prince were also well received by fans at Swiss International where they lodged with P-Square. From their colleagues in the industry to fans, everybody courted their attention.
EJIKE ASIEGBU SHOWS LOVE TO THE COUPLE
Movie star and former National President Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Ejike Asiegbu really showed he is a family friend of the Okoyes. He graced Peters wedding in Lagos.And also flew to PH for Paul’s.He lodged at Swiss International Mabisel.
KOK WAS JUST SILENT
You wouldn’t know that veteran actor, Kanayo O Kanayo was at the event. He was just on his own.
KEKE OGUNGBE CIRCULATES
GM of Raypower and boss of Kennis Music, Keke Ogungbe was also here and mixed freely with both the low and the mighty. And his humility won him more than a passing admiration.
HOW KCEE DISAPPEARED
After thrilling to beautiful songs, Limpopo and Pull Over, we couldn’t account for star’s movement. Even when his colleagues were called to join P-Square on stage, we were informed he had left the venue.
EBUBE NWAGBO, INI EDO AND UCHE JOMBO WERE A BAND OF FRIENDS
Beautiful movie stars, Ebube, Ini and Uche Jombo stuck together like the three musketeers. Doing everything together, they also left the venue about the same time.
D’BANJ, PHYNO, P-SQUARE RULE THE NIGHT OF FUN
Koko Master was the king of the night of maximum fun with his superlative performances. Phenomenal rap artiste, Phyno also raised the roof. But despite being the host, P-Square also proved they are highly talented crooners. All other music stars didn’t equally disappoint guests, most of whom stayed till the end of the event.
THE INFECTIOUS HOSPITALITY OF SWISS INTERNATIONAL
The staff and management of Swiss International hotel are well trained to handle guests. And from their delicious foods to security of guests, many celebs promised to call in whenever they are in the Garden City.
EDEM DUKE, DAREY, ALEX OTTI, AY, MAJID WISH THE COUPLE WELL
Shortly after the couple cut the cake, some important personalities like the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Obong Edem Duke, AY, Lola Omotayo-Okoye, GMD of Diamond Bank, Alex Otti, Majid Michel and AY, the comedian, were called to say a word or two about the couple and to bless their marriage.
“I foresee that Paul is not likely to joke with this wedding. Therefore, his career and that of his wife would experience rejuvenation, re-construction, re-orientation, -re-engineering, and in the final analysis, I know that they would have a lovely matrimony.”
For Diamond Bank boss, “This is a difficult task for me to speak after the Hon. Minister. Anyway, I will say that I saw what the minister saw. I cannot speak all those mighty English but what I can see between the couple is an expression of love, and I believe that they would not allow the wedding to get in between their friendship.”
Ghanaian movie star Majid Michel also stepped up to share a few words. He said, “What I’m seeing is straight from God’s eyes. I see a union that would last without any break. God would really bless and take you through this incredible journey.”
When it got to the turn of popular comedian AY, he went poetic. Hear him: “Who am I to speak after these important people have spoken. Anyway, I’m here to prophesy; can I go ahead?” to which the audience replied with a resounding ‘yes.’ He continued, “Admiration took your first illusion, and Anita became your portion when you made your decision. You were given an admission, and after your matriculation, there was an examination. Today, you’re being blessed with a graduation that is leading to your convocation. Forget all actions coming through reaction giving you tension and temptation because you’re in progression to your promotion. Flee every evil communication and continue to be a minister in this ministration. With this collaboration, you get the distinction; not in subtraction, but in addition.
CROSS RIVER STATE FIRST LADY, OBIOMA WAS THE MOTHER OF THE DAY
Athough the First Lady of the Federal Republic was represented at the wedding, Mrs. Obioma Imoke, wife of Cross River State governor was the mother de factor of the day. From her prayers to occasional admonition to the couple, Her Excellency was there for them to the end of the wedding. She even had to direct Paul to sing Beautiful Onyinye for his wife.
BETWEEN PETER AND SON, CAMERON
P-Square’s Peter is obviously closer to his son than Lola. Father and son were together all through his brother’s wedding.
ANITA MISSED BABY ANDREA
The bride, already blessed with a baby, Andrea was not available for him until she was done with the ceremonies. We saw her grabbing him afterwards.
ABOUT THE BRIDES LOYAL FRIENDS
Anita paraded very beautiful damsels in her bridal train. All in sexy dresses, they made many wandering eyes constantly turn to their direction. You can also call them loyal friends because they gave her all the support she needed.
FRIENDS ALSO SUPPORTED PAUL
From Ikechukwu, Naeto C, to Bracket, J. Martins, Sound Sultan and more music stars, Paul had a massive pillar of support.
SQUARE IMAGE BOSS, BAYO ADETU TOO
PR practitioner and entertainment writer, Bayo Adetu was like the wedding planner as he was practically every where working with the team. He was also very useful at guest accreditation.
JULIUS AGWU AND UGBOMA GERALD WERE THE ANCHORS
Julius Agwu and a local, MC Ugboma Gerald were the anchors. And when ENCOMIUM Weekly asked them their experience, they chorused, it feels good to have taken charge of the event. But they refused to disclose how much they were paid.
THE PRE WEDDING BASH AND AFTER PARTY
There was an impromptu bash at the pool side of Swiss International on the night Friday, March 21, 2014. There was also an after party at a lounge in Port Harcourt, the state capital. But we didn’t get to know who and who were there.
– STORIES AND INTERVIEWS BY UCHE OLEHI and RASHEED ABUBAKAR, pictures by GODWIN ONYEMAECHI
