Grand Wedding Ceremony for Defence Minister's 10 Children in Abuja
An unprecedented family celebration unfolded in Nigeria's capital as the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, married off ten of his children in a single day. The elaborate wedding fatiha ceremony took place at the historic National Mosque in Abuja on Friday, February 6, drawing an impressive gathering of national and international dignitaries.
Presidential Presence and Distinguished Guests
Nigeria's President Bola Tinubu played a significant role in the proceedings, formally receiving the brides on behalf of the Matawalle family according to traditional customs. The ceremony also welcomed Carlos Vila Nova, the President of São Tomé and Príncipe, who attended alongside President Tinubu, highlighting the event's diplomatic significance.
The distinguished guest list included:
- Senator Jubril Barau, Deputy Senate President
- Ibrahim Masari, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Politics and Other Matters
- Governor Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto State
- Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State
- Governor Nasir Idris of Kebbi State
The Matawalle Children's Wedding Details
Former Zamfara State governor Bello Matawalle gave away five daughters in marriage:
- Maryam
- Safiyya
- Farida
- Nana Firdausi
- Aisha
Simultaneously, five sons entered matrimony:
- Ibrahim
- Abdul Jalal
- Surajo
- Bello
- Fahad
Following the religious ceremony at the National Mosque, the celebrations continued at a spacious reception hall where all ten couples were honored together.
Religious Blessings and Public Reaction
The officiating Imam, Professor Luqman Zakariyah, offered heartfelt prayers for the newlywed couples, asking Allah to bless their marriages, grant them success in their life journeys, and bestow blessings upon their parents and grandparents.
Minister Matawalle later expressed gratitude on social media platform X, thanking President Tinubu for serving as "Wali" during the wedding fatiha ceremony. However, the event sparked considerable public discussion as many Nigerians contrasted the presidential attendance at this celebration with the government's response to a tragic terrorist attack in Kwara State that occurred just hours earlier, where numerous innocent citizens lost their lives.
The simultaneous wedding of ten children from a prominent political family represents a remarkable social event that has captured national attention, blending family celebration, political networking, and public discourse about governmental priorities.
