By Nsan Ndoma-Neji
It was a blend of celebration and deep emotion on Saturday at the Ikot Ushie Town Council Hall, Calabar, as Akparabong-born farmer and entrepreneur, Engr. Dr. Amba Ndoma-Egba, gave out his daughter in marriage.
His daughter, Emilia Amba Ndoma-Egba, was joined in holy matrimony to Mr. Israel Emmanuel, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Starry Art Studio, Calabar, in a well-attended ceremony that followed their church wedding at Dunamis Church, Harbour Junction.
The reception was filled with joy and thanksgiving as family, friends and business associates cheered the new couple, but the most touching moment was the father’s emotional dance with his daughter during the traditional hand-over.
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Visibly moved and fighting back tears, Dr. Ndoma-Egba first offered prayers for the union.
“We thank God. In a union of two people, I am praying that they have a good, successful and blissful marriage,” he said.
He later admitted he was overwhelmed with emotion and had hesitated to join the groom’s parents at the high table before the couple’s nuptial dance.
“You won’t understand. I was caught up with that emotional feeling that I needed my daughter to perhaps stay in my house and consolidate more before gaining independence,” he explained.
He however composed himself to offer the couple three nuggets for a successful and blissful home.
“My daughter, as you enter this new chapter, I want you to remember three things.
One, be a wife, but do not forget to be a woman. Keep your dreams alive, your voice, your dignity.
Two, marriage will test you, it is not every day you will agree, but never let anger sleep in your house overnight. Talk, forgive quickly.
Three, respect and cherish each other, you and your husband. That is how a house becomes a home,” he counselled.
Responding, the groom, who could not hide his joy, described his bride as “kind-hearted, obedient and very submissive,” attributes he said every man desires. The bride described her husband as “very intentional, supportive and God-fearing.”
In his goodwill message, Lagos-based businessman and cousin to the bride, Mr. Amba Manyor Ndoma-Egba Jr., urged the couple to protect their marriage from external interference.
“Try as much as possible to be confidential with issues concerning your marriage, don’t allow any third party to interfere,” he advised.
