Encomium
ENCOMIUM Weekly was on ground ahead of guests, friends and couple’s families at the wedding of the daughter of Senator Florence Ita-Giwa. And second by second, minute by minute, our reporters didn’t miss the flow of the proceedings and happenstances at the nuptials…
3.00 p.m: Guests start arriving the church (Methodist Church of Trinity, Tinubu Square, Lagos).
3.43: CROSS RIVER STATE GOVERNOR, MR. LIYEL IMOKE ARRIVES
Garbed in ash native attire, the gentleman South-South governor who arrived in a Range Rover Envogue made it straight to the church.
4.04: FLORENCE ITA-GIWA’’S BEST FRIEND, HAJIA ABBA FOLAWIYO ARRIVES
One of the mothers of the day, made it earlier. She wore the aso ebi reserved for close friends of the family.
4.07: BILLIONAIRE BUSINESSMAN, CHIEF SUNNY ODOGWU STEPS IN
The notable tycoon also came before the couple. He was resplendent in a milk traditional dress.
4.25: AMBASSADOR GREG MBADIWE SIGHTED
One of the Fathers of the Day, Ambassador Greg Mbadiwe made it to the church with some of his family members in a black limo.
4.31: BRIDAL TRAIN SIGHTED
The arrival of the bridal train was a relief to hundreds of guests who had been waiting for the bride. The wedding was scheduled for 3 p.m but was delayed. They made it in a white limousine with registration number LAGOS FST 370 AM.
4.40: BRIDE’S MOTHER, SENATOR ITA-GIWA ARRIVES
Mother of the bride and the host arrived the church at about 4.40. She came in a white Infiniti FX 35. As long as a limousine, the wondrous auto was the cynosure of all eyes.
4.49: SENATOR ITA-GIWA WALKS IN WITH THE BRIDE
Senator Ita-Giwa had to walk a distance of about 100 metres to fetch the bride who was held up in the traffic caused by numerous vehicles making it to the church.
The bride’s beautifully designed white wedding gown obviously attracted more than a passing attention. Koko’s dress was made by Emage, one of the best haute couture designers in the Middle East.
4.53: BRIDE PROCEEDS TO THE ALTAR
Having lost much time, the bride hurriedly marched to the altar with her mom, bridesmaid and little brides. Beautifully attired in pink and purple fitted gowns, there were about fourteen of them.
4.55: SOLEMNIZATION SERVICE COMMENCES
Led by the Prelate of Methodist Church, Nigeria, His Eminence Dr. Samuel Chukwuemeka Kanu Uche, the church wedding began in earnest with greetings by the Prelate.
5.09: COUPLE EXCHANGE MARITAL VOWS
Koko and Chimaobi exchange marital vows in the Methodist Christian tradition. This was before all other liturgical declarations by the clergy and the couple.
5.11: EXCHANGE OF WEDDING RINGS
One of the symbols of consummation of marriage, this part was also observed by the couple before their parents, friends and well wishers and the church at large.
5.13: KOKO/CHIMAOBI DECLARED MAN AND WIFE
The high point of the service was the declaration by the Prelate that Chimaobi and Koko have become man and wife. The newly-wed received a resounding ovation from the congregation.
5.18: COUPLE SIGN DOTTED LINES
Expectedly the couple had to proceed with the signing of marriage certificate. This was done amidst choruses from the church.
5.29: WORDS OF ADMONITION
Reading from Ephesians 5:20-33, the atmosphere for the ministration of God’s word was set.
5.38: SERMON BY THE METHODIST PRELATE, HIS EMINENCE, DR. SAMUEL KANU
The Prelate ministered the word to the congregation. Drawing the theme of his message from Corinthians 13 vs 8, the title was God’s Love Never Fails.
He first congratulated the couple and recognized all dignitaries present. Dr. Kanu Uche explained he wouldn’t have been around for the wedding if not for his love for the families involved. He went straight to define different types of love, but advised the couple to practice the one that has to do with unconditional love, agape. He said it’s the kind of love God has for us.
He advised the couple to always listen to each other.
“Your wife will always obey you but out of love, she would tell you the truth.”
Love he said should be nurtured, since it’s not a bed of roses. He, therefore, warned the couple not to disappoint the many eminent Nigerians who came on their behalf.
The Prelate also prayed for the couple, prophesying they would give birth to children who would be nation builders.
He also used the occasion to remind the church that divorce is not an option while polygamy is totally forbidden here. A member guilty of this would be ex-communicated from the church.
On the state of insecurity bedeviling the nation, the Prelate said it would soon come to pass. He also blamed it on lack of training by parents. He said that no religion preaches violence and destruction. Any religion that teaches killing is satanic and stupid.
6.06: SEN. ITA-GIWA SPEAKS
In her first and only address in the church, the hostess thanked all who found time to rejoice with her as Koko weds.
She narrated how the little girl was dedicated to God when she was just three months. She said she is happy she has now grown into an adult, going through education and now getting married. Ita-Giwa, in appreciation of God, donated an 18-seater bus to the church. We also learnt she equally rugged the church.
6.12: THE METHODIST PRELATE PRAYS FOR NIGERIA
Done with the sermon and words of admonition for the couple, the Prelate offered prayers for the nation and its leaders. From governors, ministers and political office holders, he called some of them out and used them as a point of contact to present the nation to God.
6.18: PRESIDENT GOODLUCK JONATHAN FELICITATES WITH THE COUPLE, BRIDE’S MOM
Represented by the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ren Ochekpe, the President and Commander-in-Chief, President Goodluck Jonathan sends a message. In her speech, the Minister said the President was unavoidably absent, but he prayed God will continue to use Senator Ita-Giwa in service to the nation. She said President Jonathan recognizes all her efforts in nation building, especially her representation at the just concluded National Conference.
He also congratulated the bride, explaining that the family is the basic block that builds good and progressive nations. President Jonathan, therefore, urged the newly-wed to love God. He wished them well. After he appreciated the church in their role in encouraging good leadership, President Jonathan once again felicitated with Senator Ita-Giwa whom he described as a nationalist, patriot and elder stateswoman on the joyous occasion of the wedding of her daughter, Koko.
6.22: THANKSGIVING BY THE COUPLE AND FAMILY
Their first assignment, if you like, the couple were joined by their families and congregation after they tied the knots.
6.38: CLOSING PRAYERS BY THE PRELATE
Sensing there was no more time, the Prelate in his wisdom had to suspend the next rounds of thanksgiving and offerings and blessed the couple and congregation.
6.43: COUPLE’S PHOTO SESSION IN THE CHURCH
The couple took their first official photography as man and wife. The groom wore a sky blue three piece suit.
6.50: COUPLE READY TO PROCEED TO RECEPTION
At this time, the couple were almost ready to proceed to Eko Hotel & Suites for the reception. They stepped out with their parents and bridal train.
7.04: COUPLE/GUESTS PROCEED TO EKO HOTEL & SUITES
Despite the heavy traffic, the couple and guests found their way to the wedding reception venue. Some could not get there until 9 p.m.
