The saying that, “He makes all things beautiful in its own season,” again played out itself on Saturday, May 11, 2013, as Philemon Udeh of the Corporate Affairs Unit of National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), marched to the altar with his heartthrob, former Miss Beatrice Nguemo Ashiekaa, to seal their relationship in holy matrimony at the St. Joseph Catholic Church, Nyiman in Makurdi, the Benue State capital.

In his sermon, the officiating minister, Rev. Fr. Oliver Ude, urged the couple to be always tolerant of each other, saying that their making the choice of coming to the altar to be joined in holy matrimony, at a time same sex marriages had become a common global phenomenon, is an indication of their willingness to obey the word of God, where He said, “Go ye into the world, multiply to fill the earth and subdue it.”

Further enjoining them to submit themselves to one another, he charged the wife, Mrs. Beatrice Nguemo Udeh, to submit herself to her husband as unto the Lord, saying by virtue of the sacred vows of marriage, the husband has authority over her just as Christ has over His church.

He also charged Mr. Philemon Udeh to love his wife just as Christ loved the church and gave His life, saying, “Men ought to love their wives just as they love their bodies. A man who loves his wife love himself.”

From the church, the wedding train moved to Pauline Makar Centre, Women Development Centre, Makurdi, for the reception, where the new couple entertained guests with dances to express their joy.

The wedding ceremony had Mr. & Mrs. Francis Ibah as sponsors with Mr. Ibah of Orientation & Cultural Affairs Department, NICO Headquarters, Abuja, who doubled as Chairman of the wedding reception, while Hajiya Fatima Mustapha, Head of Corporate Affairs Unit, also of NICO Headquarters, Abuja, graced the occasion as Chairlady of the occasion.

Other NICO Staff who attended the wedding were, Serah Ibor, Njideka Dimgba, Mohammed Momoh, Bridget Nyiahemba, Michael Ijeih, Ajoloko Ademola, Abimaje John, Gwautsa Jacob, Margaret Anweh, and Chinyere Umogo-Chibuogwu.

Caleb Nor
Corporate Affairs