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By Dada Ahmed.
The serene environment of the Federal College of Education, Okene transformed into a carnival of colours and culture on Saturday, February 14, 2026.
Coinciding with the globally celebrated Valentine’s Day, the institution played host to a grand and heartwarming ceremony, the solemnisation of marriage between Mukhtar Mohammed Yusuf and his beloved Zakiyat Oiza Gomina.
From the early hours of the day, dignitaries, friends, family members and well-wishers streamed into the campus, their faces glowing with anticipation.
It was not just another wedding; it was a celebration of love crowned with faith, tradition and joyous festivity.
Placing God firmly at the centre of their new journey, the couple began their marital path at the College’s Central Mosque, where respected Muslim clerics solemnised the Nikkah.
The atmosphere was calm, reverent and spiritually uplifting as prayers filled the air for a fruitful, peaceful and enduring union.
Within about thirty minutes, the solemn rites were completed, with the groom’s family presenting a dowry of ₦150,000. Clerics and attendees offered heartfelt prayers, asking Almighty Allah to bless the union with love, patience, prosperity and righteous offspring.
In Islam, Nikkah is more than a ceremony; it is a sacred covenant. It represents both a religious obligation and a legal agreement under Islamic law (Shariah). The essential elements,the Aqd (marriage contract), the Mahr (dowry of N150,000)presented by the groom as the bride’s exclusive right), the presence of witnesses, and the role of the Wali (guardian),were carefully observed.
From the mosque, the jubilant crowd flowed seamlessly to the recreation ground, where celebration took on a vibrant rhythm. The DJ set the tone with a masterful blend of Ebira classics and contemporary Nigerian hits, filling the air with electrifying sounds that proudly showcased the rich cultural heritage of Egbiraland and the nation at large.
Leading the charge to the dance floor was the groom’s mother, Hajia Maimuna, who, alongside her friends and well-wishers, dazzled guests with graceful and spirited moves in response to the pulsating Ebira beats. Her joyful display ignited the atmosphere and drew cheers from the crowd.
Not to be outdone, the bride’s mother followed with her own energetic dance procession, turning the celebration into a friendly yet thrilling contest.
Their playful rivalry left guests delighted and humorously debating which group deserved the “gold medal” for best performance, as both sides expressed unrestrained joy over the union of their children, leaving opinion divided til the end of the event.
Amidst the colourful spectacle, elegantly dressed guests savoured assorted delicacies and refreshing drinks. In the midst of the merriment, an elder statesman, Mallam Yakubu Suleiman, offered heartfelt counsel to the newlyweds, urging them to build their home on love, deepen their devotion to God through prayer, remain tolerant of one another, and uphold the virtues that nurture a peaceful and enduring marriage.
Visibly elated Hajia Maimuna expressed profound gratitude to Almighty Allah for the success of the marriage ceremony and celebration, praying for a peaceful, fruitful and rewarding union for her son and daughter-in-law.
Indeed, the occasion was doubly symbolic, as it coincided with February 14,globally celebrated as Valentine’s Day as a special day set aside to express love, affection and appreciation.
For the two families, it was not just a date on the calendar, but a moment etched in memory,a day when faith, culture and love blended beautifully to herald the beginning of a promising lifelong journey for the new couple.
