By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna
Top Nigerian political and security leaders have called for stronger national unity, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect as essential foundations for sustainable growth and development in the country.
The call was made at the weekend in Kaduna during the wedding ceremony of Josephine Tirnok Hayab, first daughter of the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Northern Region, Rev. Joseph John Hayab, and her husband, Shadrach Ojima-Ojo.
Prominent dignitaries at the event included the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Oluwatosin Ajayi; Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia; and Gombe State Governor and Chairman of the Northern Governors Forum, Inuwa Yahaya.
NSA Ribadu, who served as Father of the Day, was represented by the DSS Director-General, who also attended as Special Guest of Honour. Governor Alia chaired the occasion, while Governor Yahaya represented the Northern Governors Forum.
The leaders stressed that Nigeria’s peace and progress depend on collective responsibility, tolerance, and collaboration across ethnic and religious lines.
Speaking at the event, Governor Alia, represented by Rev. Fr. Gabriel Ngbeal, Federal Commissioner with the Federal Civil Service Commission representing Nasarawa, Benue, and Plateau states, congratulated the couple and advised them to build their marriage on faith, moral values, and mutual support.
He described marriage as a divine institution and urged the couple to anchor their home on God’s foundation, which he said provides stability and resilience.
In his remarks, Governor Inuwa Yahaya, represented by Gombe State Deputy Governor, Manasseh Daniel Jatau, described marriage as one of the most important institutions in society. He urged the couple to make their home a model of peace, noting that the breakdown of family values contributes to many of the nation’s challenges.
He further advised the couple to distinguish between the excitement of the wedding ceremony and the lifelong responsibilities of marriage, emphasizing commitment, forgiveness, and continuous growth.
Speaking with journalists after the ceremony, Rev. Joseph John Hayab urged Nigerian parents to support intercultural and interreligious marriages, describing them as practical tools for healing divisions and fostering national unity.
According to him, the union symbolises the harmony Nigeria needs, stressing that love and compatibility should take precedence over tribe or religion when choosing life partners.
Rev. Hayab noted that national peace begins in the home, adding that families that embrace diversity contribute directly to national stability. He encouraged the couple to build their marriage on patience, understanding, and sacrifice.
Reflecting on his own experience, Hayab, who marks 30 years of marriage in the coming days, expressed confidence that his daughter would build an even stronger and enduring union.
Other dignitaries at the event included representatives of Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, led by the Chief of Staff, Mallam Sani Kila Liman; Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe; state commissioners; Mrs. Abigail Marshall Katung, Mayor of Leeds and wife of Senator Marshall Katung; Chairman of the Kaduna State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Jerry Adams; local government chairmen; religious leaders; and other notable personalities.
