It was a joyful day for the Abai family dynasty as they gave out their beloved daughter, Rosemary Ibolor Abai, to her handsome husband, Joshua Sobai, in a traditional marriage ceremony that held on Thursday, October 26, 2023, in the residence of Mr. Emmanuel Abai, brother of the bride's late father, in New Layout, off Jakpa Road, Ekpan, Delta State.

The ceremony which kicked-off 12noon was well attended by family members of the bride from Igoba and other associated communities in Gbaramatu Kingdom, and those of the groom from Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, both in the Warri South-West Local Government Area.

Dressed in blue native attires to match, the newly married couple were offered prayers of blessings by the bride's parents after the groom and his family had fulfilled all requirements of the payment of the bride's price.

Earlier, the Abai's and the Sobai's had fraternized in an introduction and entertainment session outdoors where kola nuts, drinks, monies, and other items were exchanged by both families as part of the ceremonial activities marking the traditional marriage.

Other highlights of the traditional marriage include the women's participation of usually accompanying the bride to her husband, photo shoot session, entertainment of guests in the ceremony who were served with the native kpo-kpo garri (tapioka) and pepper soup to match, along with drinks, among other activities.

Having completed the traditional marriage, all roads now lead to the Shammah Divine Zion Ministry Int'l, at No. 36 Orehri Street off Eraye Street Giwa-Amu / Apala Road in Warri on Saturday, October 28, for the couple wedding ceremony.

Thereafter, a wedding reception party holds at the Jubilee Retreat and Conference Center at No. 5 Enerhen Road in Effurun to celebrate their blessed union.

Rosemary, who is the daughter of Late Mr. Famous Birinimigha Abai from Igoba in Gbaramatu Kingdom, and Joshua, the son of Late Bonerge (Chief) Audley Sobai from Tonbiri quarters in Ogbe-Ijoh Warri Kingdom, having gone from two separate identities to become one, in accordance to the law of marriage, are now to be addressed as Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Sobai.

We say congratulations to the newly married couple as we wish them a fruitful, peaceful and prosperous union, Amen.

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