Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has called on Nigerians to always emphasise the factors that unite the nation rather than beating the drum of disunity and disintegration.
The Minister stated this on Saturday in Abuja at a wedding ceremony of Ijeoma Okoh to Ernest Aziagba.
Ijeoma is the daughter to Primate Nicholas Okoh, the Archbishop of Abuja Province and Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion).
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Governors of Delta, Ifeanyi Okowa and Taraba, Darius Ishaku, were among the dignitaries at the event.
Speaking to newsmen, Mohammed said the factors that unite the nation were greater than those that divide it and the people should dwell on the oneness of the country.
“With the gathering you see at this wedding today, you can see that there are so many things that unite us and very few that divide us.
“In attendance today are Northerners and Southerners. Nigerians should take cue from this gathering to always emphasise those things that unite us rather than those that divide us,’’ he said.
The minister also said: “Marriage is the smallest unit of the society and when its foundation is strong, we are building very strong and indivisible society.”
He advised the couple to “love themselves, be very prayerful and believe in themselves.’’
The minister said he was attracted to Okoh, because “he is a thoroughly detribalised Nigerian, an advocate for peace and unity of the nation and apostle of religious tolerance.’’
“You can see people coming from different walks of life and that is the proof that he is well accepted in the society,’’ he said.
Speaking in the same vein, the Executive Secretary, Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Uja Tor Uja, said: “The greatest thing that build a nation is the home.’’
“Nigeria may be going through a difficult economic situation right now, but we must not forget to build our home in the proper way.
“If our homes are well built and we maintain our values, all our economic problems shall be temporary,’’ he said.
Earlier in his sermon, the officiating priest, Rev. Peter Akinola, said marriage is an institution ordained by God and should be respected.
He berated the unholy trends of gay marriage, single parentage and the high rate of divorce.
The clergy appealed to parents to give their children good training and advice on how to build good and Godly homes.
He advised the new couple not to allow the intervention of a third party in the union.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony were Prof. Jerry Gana, Senator Tunde Ogbeha, former Inspector-General of Police, Sunday Ehindero, and former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha.
