Sampou, the quiet riverine community in Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, was transformed into a hive of political and social activity on Saturday as governors, first ladies, federal officials, lawmakers, traditional rulers and captains of industry gathered for the traditional marriage of Governor Douye Diri’s first daughter.
The colourful ceremony marked the traditional marriage of Dr Stephanie Ebidenere Diri to Ballad Tamaradoubra Agbeyei and attracted prominent personalities from Bayelsa State, the Niger Delta and beyond.
The event, held at the governor’s country home, brought together political associates, government officials, business leaders and members of the diplomatic community, underscoring the prominence of the Diri family in the state’s political and social landscape.
Among the dignitaries was the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, Engr AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who chaired the occasion alongside his wife, Prof Olufunke AbdulRazaq.
Also in attendance were Delta State Governor, Elder Sheriff Oborevwori, and his wife, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori.
Nigeria’s former First Lady, Dame Patience Jonathan, was among the distinguished guests, alongside about 10 first ladies from various states.
The first ladies of Jigawa, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Taraba states attended the ceremony physically, while their counterparts from Edo and Benue states were represented by coordinators from their respective offices.
Governor Diri, accompanied by his wife and mother of the bride, Dr Gloria Diri, offered prayers for the newly married couple, expressing hope that their union would bring blessings not only to them but also to Bayelsa State and Nigeria.
“It is marvellous in our eyes. May your union be blessed,” Diri said.
“There is no perfect marriage. So strive to love each other and commit your marriage to God at all times.”
Governor AbdulRazaq, in his remarks, congratulated the couple and urged them to make God the foundation of their marriage.
He advised the newlyweds to seek divine guidance in resolving challenges and to approach marital difficulties with patience, understanding and mutual respect.
“Today we join your family in praying for you. We celebrate your successful marriage,” AbdulRazaq said.
“Every day that we wake up, you should hand your life’s issues to God and resolve them amicably as you go ahead in your marriage.”
The ceremony also attracted the Ambassador of Angola to Nigeria, Dr José Bamóquina Zau, and the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil), Dr Heineken Lokpobiri.
Other notable guests included former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia; former Bayelsa Deputy Governors, Hon Peremobowei Ebebi and Rear Admiral Gboribiogha John-Jonah; and Mrs Margaret Alamieyeseigha, wife of the first civilian governor of Bayelsa State.
Bayelsa’s representatives in the National Assembly also attended, including Senators Benson Agadaga and Konbowei Benson, representing Bayelsa East and Bayelsa Central respectively.
Members of the House of Representatives at the ceremony included Chief Fred Agbedi, representing Sagbama/Ekeremor; Hon Oforji Oboku, representing Yenagoa/Kolokuma/Opokuma; Engr Rodney Ambaiowei, representing Southern Ijaw; and Mrs Marie Ebikake, representing Nembe/Brass.
The Speaker of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Abraham Ingobere, was also present.
The event attracted senior officials of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), including its Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku, as well as the Managing Director of the Niger Delta River Basin Development Authority, Prince Ebitimi Amgbare.
A former Managing Director of the NDDC, Chief Ndutimi Alaibe, and former Presidential Adviser on the Niger Delta, Dr Kingsley Kuku, were also among the guests.
The Inspector-General of Police was represented by the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 16, Abubakar Zubairu.
The business community was equally represented by prominent figures, including the Managing Director of Megastar Technical and Construction Company, Arc Harcourt Adukeh; Managing Director of Tantita Security Services, Chief Keston Pondi; and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of De Wayles Group of Companies, High Chief Victor Egukawhore.
Former Senator Lee Maeba and former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Uche Secondus, were also in attendance.
Other dignitaries included the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Dame Didi Walson-Jack; retired Supreme Court Justice and Pere of Tuomo Kingdom, Justice Francis Tabai; service commanders; religious leaders; traditional figures; and senior government officials.
The large gathering highlighted the extensive political, social and professional networks of the Diri family, while also demonstrating the significance attached to traditional marriage ceremonies in Bayelsa’s social and cultural life.
For Sampou, Governor Diri’s hometown, the occasion transcended a family celebration. It provided a platform for political allies, traditional leaders, old friends, government officials and prominent Nigerians to converge in celebration of the union between the two families.
At the heart of the elaborate ceremony, however, was the newly married couple, with prayers and goodwill messages centred on love, patience, faith, understanding and commitment as Dr Stephanie Diri and Ballad Tamaradoubra Agbeyei begin their journey together as husband and wife.
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