Lagos Festival Of The Sun …As Rivers SSG Gives Daughter’s Hand In Marriage

In the chequered

political history of Lagos in Nigeria, only one event, perhaps, may compare with the most recent one that literally espoused the cosmos to release an out pouring  upon men, that dissipated all strife, petty jealousy, bitterness, and replaced themfor once with the singular urge for the good, brotherhood, neighborliness and friendship.

The extra ordinary moment gave rise to a jubilant festival of the sunrise, where human vile was replaced with joy and good wishes. At midday, the disappearing ray of the sun was still visible at the horizon, as the skyline terminated into glorious hilly landscape.

Over looking the commercial city of Lagos, a gathering flurry of activities, movement of people to and fro presented an unusual atmosphere. Thus, the mega city found a permanent historical seat in the Nigerian political configuration on Saturday, 14th July, 2012 than it did on June, 12, 1993, the day, The Evil Genius, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida annulled the election believed to have been won by the Late business mogul, Alhaji Moshood Abiola. On the latter date referred to above, the political paradigm of the Lagos people altered as Western region played host to millions of people from different walks of life.

Although it is quite safe to say it was exclusively a Nigerian affair, varying racial colourations within and beyond Africa, Europe and Asia were represented.

The event was the wedding ceremony of the daughter of the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Pretty Tuawa, to equally handsome Olujimi, that without any conscious effort deftly transformed into the festival of the sun, as the ceremony removed every vestige of hatred, animosity, ill-will and anger out of the systems of men at least, temporarily.

Almost unlike Owu in Abeokuta, Ogun State where grumblings are believed to still be heard, hissing in echoes from the surrounding rocks, inspite of the massive political sacrifices to appease the people and their deities over the past nine years, Lagos offered a friendlier sound and hue.

The retinue of State Security operatives, the police, aides and body guards of politicians, business tycoons, governors, principal members of the State House of Assembly were for once rendered redundant. Fears and evils which hitherto were the hallmark of this kind of celebration, melted temporarily, as the semblance of true human love was helpfully anchored in the town.

The serene metaphor was further helped by the fact that the reception took place at the town square, originally built either by the colonial masters or by the British/Nigeria Trade Protectorate.

The Tide was unable to confirm which is which, although it has all the features of a colonial district administration’s effort. It was certainly not possible to provide a cover for everyone in attendance under the circumstances; especially as such event would have had its share of uninvited guests and gatecrashers, like the reporter.

Perhaps, I should quickly add in passing that Feyii would be aversed to the term, uninvited guests and gatecrashers, at his daughter’s wedding civic reception. He was grateful to everyone that found the time to be there, even though it was humanly impossible for him to have tent cover over the heads of everybody in the intimidating crowd. Maverick elitist entertainer and jokes merchant, Julius Agwu was on ground to serve as MC. Quick mention of Julius Agwu becomes necessary because, but for him, the wedding reception was threatened to degenerate to political carnival, although many would swear that it was.

The roll call was inexhaustive, Her Excellency Dame Judith Amaechi, Hon Andrew Uchendu, member House of Representative, who doubled as the chairman of the occasion, Commissioner for Transport, Mr. George Tolofari, Chairman Ogu/Bolo Local Government, Hon. Dame Maureen Tamuno, Managing Director, NDDC, Dr. Christian Oboh, Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Samuel Eyiba, Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Emeka Nwogu,  Commissioner for Culture & Tourism, Dr. Nabbs Imegwu, Dr. Innocent Barikor who represented the Speaker of Rivers State House Assembly, Administrator, Greater Port Harcourt City, Dame Aleruchi Cookey-Gam,  Commissioner for Youth Development, Sir Owene Wonodi, Rivers State Secretary of the Scholarship Board, Mr. Sam N. Deekue JP, Hon. Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, Commissioner for Budget & Economic Planning, Hon. Gogo Levi Charles, retired Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs, ACG Barikor Lenu Kpaghi, Customs Deputy Comptroller, Dr Chris Piane and a host of other dignitaries were all present.

Before the festival of maidens was declared open, Hon. Uchendu gave words of exhortation to Olujimi and Tuawa on the need to make the marriage a success. Her Excellency Dame Amaechi sought God’s face to shine upon the marriage and to make it exemplary for many. Master of Ceremony presided over the throwing of “roses” in the festival of maidens, a local ceremony that helped participants to get noticed, betrothed and get married as a further blessing arising from the present marriage ceremony.

The proud father of the bride in his usual humility teased the couple a little while thanking everyone that attended the wedding.

The secretary to the River State Government, Hon. George Feyii and his Ogoni people hardly sat down throughout the event.