When a man who had carved a niche for himself in the field of religion and evangelism decided to hand his daughter’s hand out in marriage, quite a number of things crossed peoples’ minds. And the case of the Founder of the Victory Life Bible Church International, Abeokuta, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, was no different, the response was overwhelming going by the presence of a wide array of eminent personalities from all walks of life who converged at the Church Main Auditorium on Saturday. A first-time visitor to the Church would certainly know that Apostle Achudume is not only a revered man-of-God but someone whose grace and anointing radiate far and wide. From the eye-popping traditional and English attires being adorned by invited guests and the bridal train to the exquisitely decorated venue, it was evident that no cost was spared towards making the epoch-making occasion a memorable one.
Admonishing the couple, Chidinma Oluwatobiloba Achudume and Israel Aduragbemi Lawal, in a soul-inspiring short but concise sermon entitled “Seven Things A Couple Must Do To Get It Right”, the Presiding Bishop of Victory International Church, Ibadan, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun, explained that teamwork remains sacrosanct. He implored married couples to always pray together, eat together, sleep together, play together, have God together, discipline together, and talk together for a lasting union.
Also adding his voice through a video recorded message, renowned televangelist and Founder of the Kingsway International Christian Center, KICC, Pastor Matthew Asimolowo, who was all smiles, advised the couple to continue to nurture the deep love and affection they have for each other, noting that the heart is not where it is but where it loves.
The Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, said he has a soft spot for the Achudumes and expressed confidence that the couple, who are from good homes, would make the best of their marriage.
Some highlights of the service were fatherly blessings to the couple by the bride’s father, Apostle Lawrence Achudume, the signing of the marriage register, and presentation of the marriage certificate by the Chairperson of the Marriage Committee at VLBC, Pastor (Mrs.) Okuneye.
After the Church Service, the next port of call was the wedding reception, whose venue had a breathtaking interior, particularly the drapes and artificial flowers. The sprawling hall, which was filled to capacity, soon became charged with the grand entry of the couple, who were flanked on both sides, forming two long lines by pretty and trendily dressed ushers as well as the bridal train.
The Master of Ceremony, popular stand-up comedian Dr. Smile, who gave a good account of himself, serenaded the strong bond that was evident between the couple.
The Chairman of the occasion, Engr. Gideon Ikhene, in his charge to the couple, urged them to keep the flame of love burning in their hearts at all times, noting that when love appears strongest, faults cannot breed.
Dignitaries present included the Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the wife of former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo, former First Lady of Akwa Ibom State, Mrs. Martha Udom-Emmanuel, Ambassador Sarafadeen Ishola, Ambassador Folake Marcus-Bello, legal luminary Dr. Gbenga Adeoye, veteran journalist and media administrator Mr. Eddie Aina, and the Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba Saka Matemilola, who was represented by his wife, Olori Adijat Bamidele Matemilola.
Religious leaders present included the Bishop of Egba Anglican Diocese and Ogun State Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria, the Right Reverend Emmanuel Adekunle, Archbishop Isaac Idahosa, Bishop Tom Samson of Christ Royal Church International, Bishop Oluwunmi Banwo of Bible Society of Nigeria, Apostle Mike Towomewo, Pastor Abraham Senfuye of the Treasure House, and Reverend Mrs. Abiola Omobude, among others.