The metropolitan city of Maiduguri, Borno State, witnessed an unprecedented human traffic event on Saturday as Vice President Kashim Shettima headlined prominent Nigeria political gladiators, influencers and northern politicians at the much-awaited marriage ceremony of Aisha and Zara, daughters of the Deputy National Chairman (North) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Ali Bukar Dalori.
In the past few days, Maiduguri had witnessed a huge influx of guests, as friends and political associates of the Borno State political giant trooped in droves to honour one of theirs. So many guests had arrived in the city since Monday.
The event reached a fever pitch crescendo around Noon on Saturday when the Vice President; APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje; Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Zulum; Senator Kaka Shehu (Borno Central); and Minister of State for Solid Minerals Development, Uba Maigari arrived the Dapcharima Road, Old GRA residence of the host.
The reception, glitz and sounds of the occasion will live long memories in the minds of the people of the El-Kanemi Kingdom. The ecstacy and glamour were alluring.
In a statement in Maiduguri, Dalori’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Hon Yemi Akinbode said that his principal was delighted and overwhelmed by the mass turnout of guests from across the country.
In compliance with the norm of the Kanuri traditional society, where he was seated from 8 am at the open ground in his residence, Dalori received the Vice President, APC National Chairman and the state Governor, and other dignitaries who had come out to pay him homage.
The event started with the traditional homage-paying by the Groom and his family. On ground to receive them were the Vice President, who was the father of the day, the chief host, Governor Zulum; and members of the Dalori family. Gifts of love and respect were presented to the distinguished gathering by the groom’s family as a mark of honour for the Daloris.
Shortly after, the traditional marriage rites were performed. With dowry concluded, prayers were offered by the brides’ and grooms’ families for the newly wed. It was brief, distinct and clear that the newest couples in Maiduguri were made. .
After the official opening and introduction of dignitaries, the couples were introduced and received by the father-of-the day, supported by the parents of the brides, Zulum, Ganduje and former Borno State governor, Alimodu Sherrif.
At the occasion, the Vice President eulogised the virtue of the bride’s father, and implored the couples to emulate his humane character and humility. Shettima said: “We are gathered here to give the hands of our daughters out in marriage according to Islamic injunction. This perhaps is one of the happiest moments in the life of parents. So we are happy that this family has fulfilled these very important duties. We implore you to be of good nature and behavior as you make your transition from being a daughter to motherhood. We pray that you will remember today for all the good things that marriage could bring”.
In his own message at the event, Dalori expressed his profound gratitude, first to Allah for making the day and event possible, and to the good people of Nigeria who thronged his home in Maduiguri in celebration with him and his family.
He said: “I am overwhelmed by the kindness of Allah to me and my family for making this day and event possible. I am thankful to you the people of Nigeria, particularly, the good people of Borno State for standing by me. The massive turn out of the people, my family, friends and associates who have come to honour me is unthinkable. Words cannot express how I feel in my heart.
“The outpouring of love, solidarity and gifts of materials, cash and kind has overblown my heart. I am indeed thankful to you all for your love, support and encouragement. I want to assure you that if there is anything I am doing that has motivated you all to do this for me, I will not only continue to do it, i will do it more and better.
“My special gratitude goes to our leader, the Vice President of Nigeria, HE, Kashim Shettima who has found time out of his tight official duties to be with me today. I will not take this for granted. I am extremely grateful for your support, love and solidarity all the time. To my leader, the APC National Chairman, HE, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje, who arrived in Maiduguri since yesterday along with other members of the national working committee, I am externally grateful to you. I would like to thank you for supporting me at all times.
“Let me also use this opportunity to thank my boss and brother, the Executive Governor of Borno State, Professor Babagana Zulum for his solidarity, love and support. I want to specially thank you for what you have done for me and my family in the preparation for this wedding. Your support has been huge and tremendous.
“Apart from deploying your personal time to see that our guests are well taken care of, you have also shown our guests the hospitality culture of Borno State. Yesterday, the governor hosted us to a Gala party at the government house. Today again the governor has also chosen to organise a grand reception for our guests and friends. I cannot thank you enough. I will continue to be a trusted ally and friend”.
Among guests were Yobe State Governor, Mallam Mai Mala Buni; and his Benue State counterpart, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia; Senator Mohammed Tahir Mouguno (Borno North), Senator Ali Ndume (Borno South); former Inspector General Police, Usman Adamu Baba; members of the APC National Working Committee, state party chairmen, top federal and state government functionaries, members of the Borno State Executive Council, members of the state House of Assembly, Chairmen of Local Government Councils, and councillors, local government party chairmen and secretaries.
Others included party leaders and executive members from all the Northeastern states, captain of industries, businessmen and, domestic and external industrialists.
