Lawmaker Abejide Urges Nigerians to Preserve Marriages Amid Economic Hardship
House of Representatives member Leke Abejide has issued a heartfelt appeal to Nigerians, urging them not to allow the prevailing economic difficulties to undermine their marriages and family stability. The lawmaker, who represents Yagba Federal Constituency and chairs the House Committee on Customs and Excise, emphasized that enduring homes are built on love, mutual understanding, and unwavering faith in God.
Call for Resilience at Thanksgiving Service
Abejide made these remarks during a special thanksgiving service held at Christ Wisdom Gospel Church in Kubwa, Abuja, on Sunday. The event was organized to celebrate the 50th birthday of his wife, Esther Abejide, and the couple's 20th wedding anniversary. Speaking to attendees, the lawmaker stressed that sustaining a successful marriage requires adherence to core values rooted in love and respect, with biblical principles serving as a guiding light.
He cautioned couples against letting financial strain weaken their relationships, advocating for resilience in the face of economic challenges. "My message to Nigerians is simple: do not allow hardship to destroy your marriage. Let God remain your foundation. When you have God, things will fall into place," Abejide stated. He further noted that despite widespread complaints about economic difficulties, visible indicators of economic activity persist across Nigeria, including ongoing construction projects, vehicle purchases, and international travel.
Wife Attributes Marriage Longevity to Patience and Faith
In her own remarks, Mrs. Esther Abejide attributed the longevity of their marriage to patience, love, and mutual understanding. She underscored the importance of faith, prayer, and sacrifice in building a stable home, highlighting how these elements have been pivotal in their two-decade journey together. Mrs. Abejide also mentioned that balancing her role as a politician's wife with her religious commitments has been seamless, driven by her passion for people and service.
Political Figures Express Optimism and Advice
The event drew several high-profile political figures, who shared their perspectives on Nigeria's economic and political landscape. Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services, expressed optimism about Nigeria's economic trajectory under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He called for patience among Nigerians, stating that the current administration is repositioning the economy for long-term stability.
Karimi dismissed concerns over government borrowing, drawing parallels with global economies such as the United States, and described ongoing reforms as necessary for sustainable growth. He also downplayed opposition coalition efforts, characterizing them as lacking fresh ideas and driven by familiar political actors.
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, delivered a goodwill message during the reception held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. He advised Abejide to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) rather than defect to another party, praising the lawmaker's growing influence within the ADC and urging him not to abandon the platform he has helped to strengthen. "Hold on to your party," Gbajabiamila encouraged, while commending Abejide's leadership style and political efforts.
Political Invitations and Event Highlights
Gbajabiamila's remarks came shortly after former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello publicly invited Abejide to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). Bello further admonished stakeholders in Mopamuro Local Council to allow Abejide to run for a third term, after which it would be their turn to produce the next member of the House of Representatives for Yagba Federal Constituency. Abejide is currently serving his second term in the House of Representatives, having been elected back-to-back in 2019 and 2023 on the ADC platform.
The well-attended event featured the donation of an 18-seater bus to the church and drew a diverse crowd of political associates, family members, and well-wishers. Notable attendees included:
- Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo
- Former Governor Yahaya Bello
- Senator Sunday Karimi
- Member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke
- Several other sitting members of the Green Chamber
- Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Aliyu Umar Yusuf
- Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Duro Meseko
- Former members representing Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu and Yagba Federal Constituencies, Tajudeen Yusuf and Samuel Aro
- Traditional rulers from Okunland led by the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi
- Popular Nollywood actors, including Femi Adebayo, Bolaji Amusan (a.k.a Mr Latin), Fathia Balogun, Ronke Oshodi Oke, and Antar Laniyan
This gathering not only celebrated personal milestones but also served as a platform for political discourse and community engagement, reflecting the interconnectedness of family values and national issues in contemporary Nigerian society.
