By Kenechukwu Chukwudi, Awka Times Guest Reporter
A gathering of the high and mighty, as well as the rank and file, converged in Enugwu-Ukwu on Monday December 23, 2019, to felicitate with the traditional ruler of Enugwu-Ukwu, Igwe Ralph Ekpeh and his wife, Okpueze Lady Dora Ekpeh, on their fiftieth wedding anniversary.
The journey of the traditional ruler and his wife to marital life started in the 1960s, when both were part of a community development effort as volunteers, from where the union blossomed and climaxed with their wedding in 1969 at the peak of the Nigeria-Biafra civil war.
The anniversary event which started at the Immanuel Anglican Church in Enugwu-Ukwu, attracted important dignitaries from within and outside Anambra State, including the deputy governor of the state, Dr. Nkem Okeke, traditional rulers of communities within the state, cabinet Chiefs among other dignitaries. The guest preacher, Right Reverend Israel Okoye of Ihiala Anglican Diocese, noted that it was no small feat to achieve fifty years of marital life even with the challenges of marriage. He urged all to make God the centre of all their activities and endeavours.
The deputy governor of Anambra state, Dr. Nkem Okeke, in his remark thanked God for keeping the couple alive and healthy to mark their fifty years marriage anniversary and advised young couples to be tolerant of each other, and to apologize when they go wrong, as such will strengthen their marriage.
Speaking in the same vein, the traditional ruler of Onitsha, Igwe Nnaemeka Achebe and Senator Ikechukwu Abana, both said that the occasion was worth celebrating as it was no small feat. They urged young couples to always emulate older couple who succeeded in their marriage.
The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Anambra Broadcasting Service, Chief Uche Nworah, and a ninety-three year old indigene of Enugwu-Ukwu, Ichie Dilim Umani, pointed that Enugwu-Ukwu is a blessed community where indigenes support each other. They said that it was a thing of joy to celebrate with the traditional ruler on such wonderful occasion.
The service was officiated by the Archbishop Province of the Niger, Most Reverend Alex Ibezim.
