President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday hosted hundreds of his guests, including President of Guinea Conakry, Alpha Conde, to a warm reception after giving out his daughter, Zahra, in marriage to Ahmed Indimi.
The reception, which took place at the Presidential Banquet hall, was also attended by Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara and many State Governors.
Others at the reception included Ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, traditional and religious leaders, Alhaji Bola Tinubu, Aliko Dangote, Femi Otadola, Chief Arthur Eze, Chief Bisi Akande and many others from across the country.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo delivered a vote of thanks at the event.
In an interview with newsmen after the reception, Tinubu, an APC chieftain, congratulated President Buhari for organising a successful wedding for his daughter, and wished the couple a happy married life.
Chief Arthur Eze, who also spoke to the newsmen, advised the couple on the need to always exhibit the virtues of love, understanding and patience for each other.
They prayed to almighty God to bless and safeguard the couple.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the wedding Fatiha had earlier taken place at the National Mosque, Abuja.
The Deputy Chief Imam of the National Mosque, Sheikh Ibrahim Makari, presided over the wedding fatiha after the payment of 12 gold coins which was converted and valued at N250,000 as dowry.
The dowry was paid by a representative of the Indimi family.
The Sarkin Fulanin Daura, Alhaji Yusuf Sani, gave out Zahra on behalf of the Buhari family.
Many dignitaries witnessed the wedding fatiha after performing the two -raka’at Friday prayer at the mosque.
Those who attended the ceremony included former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, former Vice-President Namadi Sambo, Governors Rauf Aregbesola, Nasir El-rufai, Umaru Almakura, Yahaya Bello and Aminu Masari among others.
Zahra is the seventh of Buhari’s children. She runs an NGO called ACE which primarily offers free medical care for sickle cell sufferers, while the husband is a businessman in the oil sector.(NAN)