Chief bridesmaid

Nkechi Okwuone   She is the Open Data Manager of the Edo State Open Data portal in Nigeria, the first sub-national Open Data portal in Africa. She is an alumnus of Federal Government Girls College, Ibusa and the University of Port Harcourt, where she received her B. Eng in Electrical Electronics Engineering. She leads a team of professionals within the information Communication Technology Agency, Edo State who implement, promote the Governments agenda of transparency, collaborative and participatory governance. she has worked on various data driven projects for the past 3 years ranging from building applications/visualization with data, training/seminars on data to organizing/participating in data driven hackathons.             Nkechi is the co-ordinator of SabiHub, a not for profit organization with a vision to solve social problems using technology where she manages a vibrant open data community and mentors entrepreneurs. She is currently a Fellow in School of Data, an organization that works to empower civil society organizations, journalists and citizens with the skills they need to use data effectively.       She is well respected in the open data community of Nigeria and has been recognized as the youngest Open Data Manager in Africa and nominated for the Future Awards Africa prize in Public Service (2014). You can follow her on Twitter at @enkayfreda

The proposal!!!!!!

I"m full of smiles this moment as I write about this beautiful event...I love dates so much so please don't blame me if I keep on mentioning specific dates...it all  happened on the 16th day of April, 2015. We drove down together from Asaba to Enugu to attend a friend's traditional marriage ceremony(Kene). At the event, I met alot of his friends (80% of them were married). He introduced me to them and they kept on asking him..."guy when u dey marry nah?" He will respond with a smile..."soon".

While I was sitted, in my heart i was imagining the ceremony was ours. I was practically day dreaming..lol After the event, at about 9pm, he insisted we hung out with some friends..Miclo, Demo and Franky. We went to this very very nice place (The gate) The setting was completely romantic. I started feeling all muusshhyy and wishing i was married already...well..we all sat down, placed our orders and started gisting. I completely enjoyed the company of his friends...we both took a stroll from friends and he started saying some really intimate and romantic words to me...he made me feel more muussshhyy...lol.

As we got back to  the company of friends with him sitting next to me...he whispered into my ears saying..." make a wish"...wow...i went blank immediately. He said again..."what is that thing you desire and you know i can give to you" hmmmm....immediately i replied..."seal it" he then asked..."seal what?" And i said......m "figure it out" at that point he smiled and said close ur eyes..and the next thing i felt was something sliding through my finger...immediately i opened my eyes and it was an engagement ring...

I was speechless for a moment,  then when i got myself back i screamed. It was a complete surprise. I didn't see it coming. The proposal was completely special. I had never heard of a similar story. All his friends knew of it before it happened. It was well planned. All my musshhyyy feelings and my day dreaming was not in vain..lol.

Meet the bridesmaid

             
                 Okwuone Ogechi Louisa

State of origin: Delta State
Occupation: student of Delta State University
Course of Study: Animal and Enviromental Biology
Hobbies: studying, watching TV ,playing board games
Birthday: 1st of August

Chibuzor okwuone is my cousin, whom I've known all my life.. Though Writing about a person is not something that can b put in only a few words, for the sake of concision, I will try to be brief.
    Chi chi( Chibuzor ) is a very intelligent person, she is also a neat and fun loving person with a strong personality which is one of the things I love about her.
Though we have not been the closest of cousins , I can say that her husband is a very fortunate person to hv found a rare gem like her... And I pray for Gods favour and blessings upon their union. Amen

-karen Ekeoha

A 200 Level  student of Delta State University from the Department of Business administration, from Imo state,

Hobbies: singing, reading and seeing  movies. 

Jessica Orumade a.k.a. mizz amylon

 is an indigene of delta state and a student of Nnamdi Azikiwe university (department of science education). Her hobbies include travelling and making new friends.

Chibuzor Okwuone, chibom is what i call her. She Is lyk a sister from another mother, shes a sweet cheerful sugare berry sista, she has a killer smile which i admire so Much, caring to a fault she is.....av not forgotten the first gift i ever had from her"that Nice cute shoe Dat was my perfect size....shes jus d best,.... i could go on and on buh let me stop here,,,in all i love her so much and m soo happy bout this union.                                         about the groom ik.....jus met him twice...was a brief meeting Tho buh i could tell he has d best personalities.....and hes so Lucky to hav found a rare sweet gem lyk my chibom....and i pray for Gods blessing n d'avoir upon their union. Amen..

Nneka Anyadu.

 A graduate of computer science from the university of Abuja. She is also a specialiat in Interior decoration(soft furnishing) and bead making.

Met this gorgeous, smart, intelligent, neat and God fearing friend of mine......way back in primary school. We also attended the same secondary school together and all through those times till date, she has remained that same sweet person I met. 

   Not long ago, I saw a picture of her and a young man on her bbm dp and from the look on her face I could guess this wasn't any other guy,so I asked "is this ur oga at the top" she smiled n said yes. Though I haven't met the groom in person but I trust her judgement to spend the rest of her life with him. He is soooo blessed to be ur husband Chi dear n am sure u r too.......God bless ur union AMEN

Chukwuka Jane ifunanya

 Hails from Anambra state, she studied Medical Physiology at Nnamdi Azikiwe University college of Medicine and Health Sciences. She Just concluded National Service and presently working with Diageo brands on contract. Her Hobbies include singing, dancing, traveling and meeting people.

About the bride: 

Chibu as i fondly call her is an elder sister i never had. I met her while serving at the secretariat clinic Asaba, what striked my attention to her was her distinguishing smile and sense of dressing being a fashionista myself. We worked together on several occasions during the MTN Yello doctor tour and i can say that was the best few months of my service year. Chibu is caring and she has a beautiful soul plus u can never have a dull moment with her. I wish her a very happy and fulfilling marital bliss... Cheers!

Best man

Ben C. Okafor

LLB, BL, LLM(Bournemouth University.)PNM
Principal Counsel at B.C. Okafor & Associates, a firm of legal practioners and corporate consultants.

True friendship is not about being there when it's convenient, it's about being there when it's not.

I have known IK a.k.a "Doggy" for donkey years now and he has remained a true friend till this day.

A friend you can count on to be there for you, come rain come shine and even when you are not there, which lends credence to the saying that "he is not your friend until he has defended you in ur absence".

I admit he can be a pain in the ass sometimes (more than me I think lol) when he is "naturally abi spiritually high" considering he neither drinks nor smokes but hey....what are friends for if not to inconvenience each other every now and then (dear reader, pls don't take this to heart, be a good friend ;) )

As for the soft spoken beautiful bride, I'm yet to meet her (though we've talked on the phone a couple of times) but I believe her to be a rare gem to have made a real man out of the crazy boy I met years ago.

I wish you guys marital bliss and the very best life has to offer. Can't wait for the 19th of December, already shinning my dancing shoes!!

Meet the grooms men

Mr Osuoha Obinna Franklin 

Bsc ; LLB ; BL (Nigeria)

State of origin: Imo state

Entrepreneur, Attorney, Sociologist, ‎Professional Pitcher & Analyst. 

Loves good humour/laughs, great company and music.

Single.

Based in Abuja, Nigeria.

About "THE" Ik (doggy) that I know...& d beautiful Buzzor (The Buzz)

 Life deals us certain unexpected hands‎ & my meeting with this dude in UNN was one of those unexpected ones which turns out to be great afterwards #sic. (call for the annoying version)

IK...sorry, DOGGY turned out to be a brother & a most reliable friend through the years, with a reputation of "if I have your back, you need not turn to check if its covered". Loyalty...a virtue hardly found in our times.

A taste for the best things, so it was a no brainer when I got the call & he went: " boyoo, guy guy I don meet my wife. Guy I dey tell you say na she" ,I would've said my guy was under the influence but he annoyingly only takes yogurt, malt drinks or "Fayrous...pineapple flavour " neither does he smoke. so I knew he was pretty much only intoxicated by something else, by someone else who turned out to be the very beautiful Chibuzor  (who I call the Buzz, yes its easy beign friends with her in a beat)‎. So here's a toast to you beautiful guys: Ik & Buzz... live life & enjoy the love,laughs & beauty of God's grace and blessings on your new life. cheers guys

Achara Ikenna C.

A private legal practitioner based in Owerri Imo state. He is a graduate of law faculty, University of Nigeria. He attended the renowned Nigeria Law School and was called to the prestigious Nigerian Bar of legal practitioners in 2010.
A single brother who enjoys time spent in company of friends. Also devout practitioner with kin interest in environmental law and compensatory rights. He is the principal partner of I. C. ACHARA & CO (OKLANDS LAWFIRM) with offices at Owerri and Portharcourt.

The groom Iyke Maduemezia 'doggy - like we always called him' has been a great friend of mine for over a decade now. Colleagues and set mates at the prestigious law faculty of the University of Nigeria. Since our first year when we met till date I can authoritatively say, with no atom of flattery, that Iyke is one of the very rare kind of friends anyone will really wish to keep for life. Honestly can't remember any incident of quarreling, fight or bickering with him. He has an absolute sense of friendship, always puts the interests of his friends first before his (so many instances to buttress this fact but for time & space would have been lovely to recount). Amongst the five of us Ben, Franky, Okey, Iyke and myself (a clique of closely bond friends) I would say Iyke enjoys the most dear spot because of his very unique character. Simply put Iyke is just that fabulous kind of guy.
I remember him once talk about this 'dazzling beauty' whom he confessed he met and desired to settle down with for life. Much as it was a good news but it sure felt a bit funny to be true, not for any other reason but for the fact that Iyke had always enjoyed a monopoly of fondness from the lady folks who were irresistibly attracted to his handsome appearance and caring disposition. Now how could it be, of the many ladies (of diverse endearing beauty & character) lurking all over him, that Iyke could be stunned by this particular 'one' that made him confess marriage? That was the conflict of reason I bore not until I met the bride, Chibuzor, on one of my official trips into Asaba. Wow! And I needed not to be convinced any further. Her person laid all curiosity to an immediate rest. Not only was she fairer than the fairest of ladies in the shakesparean tales Chibuzo exuded an amiable candour that perfectly grounded her lovely appearance. Soft in speech, humble in conduct plus an amazing sense of humour. I recall a trip from Asaba down to Enugu that Iyke, Chibuzor & I had together, it was so much fun filled with many jokes, laughter & bliss such that we barely knew when we arrived Enugu.
All I can attest to is that the couple are a perfect fit for each other. A lovely duo that I believe will make a celebrated marriage. It's not in doubt that they both have it all to pull through many years of a happy union because they have a uniquely compatible set of personalities plus the love of God which crowns it all.
Happy wedlock my friends of life!

     
                            Okey Magwa

A Lawyer and banker. Holds an LL.B, BL and LL.M from The University of Buckingham, UK. Works with the Legal Dept. of Skye Bank Plc.



              Nnaemeka Chime (Miclo)

B.Eng Electrical Electronics Engineering..(ESUT) Msc. Project Management ( Roehampton University London) works as a Spectrum Administrator at d Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). Hails from Udi in Enugu State. Hobbies are reading non fiction books and watching soccer...

I have known Ik...AKA Doggy (Please don't ask me why they call him doggy) for more than 16yrs. We have been quite close and have nagivated through the ups and down of  life.  

However, some time this year he cald me up n told me that he had found sm1 he wnts to wake up to every morning.

 I eventually got to meet the beautiful dame who has captured my friends heart on the day he proposed to her.

 Looking at d couple, there is no iota of doubt in me that shes d right girl for him..i wish them understanding, love and mutual respect within themselves...

one advice each for the prospective bride and groom.. .....  ....     To the groom, he should understand that" a MAN is nt truly married until he understands what his wife does not say" . 

To the bride " Most women spend more time preparing for their wedding than keeping their marriage..i hope she does understands which one is higher in a scale of preference.. God bless this union!!!!!!!!!

  Barr. Stanley Chima.
LLB, (Unical), BL (Abuja)

Principal Partner, SB&P Attorneys, a firm of Legal Practitioners & Corporate Consultants based in Abuja, F.C.T, Nigeria's capital city.
Director Everly United Associates Ltd.
A native of Okigwe, Imo State. Also a progressive politician.
Loves to unwind with friends & colleagues, a true Man United loyalist.


    Arc. Udeme Akpan (Demo)

State of origin...Akwa Ibom.
Freelance building design and construction consultant, project manager and Architect.
Principal at Midas consult Ltd...

Interests...networking, research, physical fitness, reading.
Status...Single.

About the groom...

MIL has been a brother and a friend for many years now. I think we became friends as far back as 1998. We have lived in close quarters, in strife and triumph. In calm tides and in  turbulence.
He is someone I have known and comes under many aliases.."John Ikechukwu(you act like an agbero), Doggie, MIL or what you may know him as, is a very intelligent, funny and loyal friend. He has been a brother where a brother was needed. A friend in time of need. A total "nut" sometimes but that's pardonable.

He is a very generous, loyal friend and were we to go back in time. I would be his friend again.
About Chibuzor(treasure sweet)...I never really knew till I met her and Ik in Enugu last year. He didn't tell me he was with a friend and when I asked him who she was he said he wouldn't explain later.

So when he had a private discussion he told me that he met her in the hospital when he went to see a friend when Chibuzor walked in and he just said.......he has seen his wife and they eventually became friends and here we are today.

Chibuzor is a cheerful, respectful and from what I have seen very supportive of her man. She has regard for his friends, be it the sane or insane ones. She has a smile and personality that lights up the room and then she is very soft spoken. These qualities have made her a perfect choice for my friend and I wish them a happy married life.

             OBI KEVIN EZENYILI (Sekiqwe)

MA -  Governance  and  Public  Policy  (University  of  Manchester),  United  Kingdom.
MA -  Public  Administration  and  Public  Policy  (University  of  York),  United  Kingdom.
ICT  -  Information  Technology  Professional  (University  of  Ghana)
B.SC  -  Political  Science  and  Public  Administation  (Igbinedion  University  Okada)
Hails  from  Oko-Amakom,  in  Oshimili South  Local  Government  Area  of  Delta State,  Nigeria.

About Iyke:

Funny enough, I haven't known you for ages, but you have become more brother, than a friend to me. You are an epitome of intelligentsia. Meeting you has made great impart/impact in my life thus far, and I Thank Our Chairman, Pst. Barr. Chucks Obusom for this esteem opportunity. I don't know if giving your wife more accolades than you would make any sense at this point, but i do not have a choice “Your wife is epitome of beauty, brains, and holiness” - She is a rare GEM.
Why getting married is awesome- when you are looking for a wife, open your eyes wide, and when you find one, close your eyes to all others. MY brother, my friend, my leader, my boss- The Sekikwe Worldwide, I believe you have applied the aforementioned principles; That is why we are here, today- to celebrate with you. It takes a man to plan on getting married; I am not saying that I am still a boy, as I am still single (and please do not give Our Able Chairman a chance to speak, so he would not finish I and my fellow Bachelor- Uzo Ononye- The Vice-Sekikwe). To concur the fact, “Today, you have become more MAN, than Myself”. Happy Married Life, Sekikwe


Obi Kelvin Ezenyili
Supervisor, Special Duties and Agriculture
Author, Democracy and Good Governance in Nigeria: A Survey of Indices of Transparency and Accountability
                                                          

Her story.....

                                   

It was precisely on the 18th of Feruary 2014 while I was in a colleague's  (Ewere) office, a dark, tall and handsome young man came in. I tried hard not to notice his presence so I told my friend I would come back later to see her. Few minutes after I left, she called me and pleaded that I come back to her office. When I got back, I met the same guy sitting in her office.  Actually I thought she wanted to introduce him as her boyfriend but she rather said...."he said he wants to know you" ....so he stood up and introduced himself to me and I did same. We exchanged numbers and started communicating. Three days after we met, he told me he wanted to start a relationship with me....I was shocked..but I still kept calm. I told him we just met, a few days ago and that I needed time to know him better. Weeks after that, we decided to start off this journey..it has been God all the way. It is over a year and six months since we started and I can say we have grown older and wiser.  We have also grown in love and understanding. There have been rough times too but God helped us through it all..I thank God for Everything......Treasure

                         

My story.......

             

My sojourn started on the 18th day of February, 2014, I walked into a friend’s office at the Delta State Ministry of Health Secretariat Clinic and met my friend talking to a very stunning young lady.

I was captivated by this stranger's beauty and felt a strong and unexplainable attraction to her. She however excused herself and left the office before I could properly introduce myself.

I immediately asked my friend who she was, and I learnt that she was my friend's colleague at that clinic.

At that point, I told my friend “I have seen my wife and I will marry her”. My friend was amused and responded “You are not serious.  You don’t even know her, and you are already talking about marriage.”

I pleaded with my friend to send for her, and after much hesitation she graciously agreed. When the mystery lady got back to the office, I introduced myself to her. We exchanged numbers and started communicating from that day.

A few days after we met, I went straight to the point and made my intentions known to her. I told her I wanted to start up a relationship with her and God-willing, it would lead to marriage.

As expected, she was surprised. She pointed out that "we had only just met and she needed time to get to know me better".

Two weeks after that day, we decided to embark on this journey. We have been thriving hand in hand so far, but only by the grace of God. We have grown in love and understanding of ourselves.

We have seen each other through hard and tough times, as well as through moments of joy and triumph.

Doubts and challenges have set in at some points, but with prayers, friendship, and good counsel, we have grown to be assured of God’s backing.

It is has been an eventful one year and six months since we started this journey and all we can say is “GOD HAS BEEN FAITHFUL”.......Mil