Oborevwori, Arigbodi Families Close Wedding Celebrations With Thanksgiving Service
By PAULINA NZERUBE
THE Oborevwori and Arigbodi families on Sunday formally brought the marriage celebrations of Innocent Oborevwori and Tobore Arigbodi to a close with a thanksgiving service in Asaba, Delta State.
The service, held at Living Faith Church on Ibusa Road, provided an opportunity for the families to reflect on the events surrounding the marriage and express gratitude for their successful completion.
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, attributed the success of the ceremonies to God’s grace and protection.
He said the families had experienced favourable conditions throughout the celebrations, beginning with the traditional marriage and continuing through the church wedding, reception and thanksgiving service.
The governor thanked the large number of guests who joined the families at different stages of the celebrations.
Family members, political associates, traditional rulers, friends and other well-wishers attended the events, while some travelled from outside Delta State and beyond Nigeria.
Oborevwori said he remained particularly grateful for the prayers and support offered to the families.
He noted that the celebrations attracted people from different backgrounds who came together to share in the joy of the newly married couple.
According to him, the successful conclusion of the events reinforced the importance of gratitude.
“From the traditional marriage to the church wedding and now this thanksgiving service, God has been with us every step on the way,” he said.
The governor prayed that the marriage would bring happiness and fulfilment to the couple.
He also asked God to grant them peace, prosperity and a fruitful life together.
Oborevwori said a successful marriage required a strong foundation and expressed hope that the couple would build their home around faith and shared values.
“To God alone be all the glory, now and forever,” he said.
Chief Brodericks Arigbodi, father of the bride, described the marriage as the beginning of a new journey for the couple.
He thanked God for the successful ceremonies and for the opportunity to celebrate with relatives, friends and well-wishers.
Arigbodi recalled that the traditional marriage took place in Isiokolo on 26 August before the subsequent wedding activities.
He said the presence of guests from different parts of Nigeria and outside the country reflected the goodwill surrounding the union.
The bride’s father urged the newlyweds to protect their relationship and remain committed to one another.
He also advised them to allow Christian principles to guide their decisions as they begin their married life.
According to him, faith, love and commitment would help the couple overcome the challenges that often accompany marriage and family life.
The church service also focused attention on wider issues of faith and personal responsibility.
In his sermon, Pastor Samuel Johns urged Christians to take greater responsibility for their physical health.
He said faith in divine healing should not encourage people to ignore habits and choices that could harm their wellbeing.
The pastor encouraged believers to pursue healthy lifestyles while maintaining faith and seeking spiritual support during difficult periods.
Johns also spoke about spiritual healing and restoration.
He referred to practices such as Holy Communion and the use of anointing oil, stressing that believers attach spiritual significance to such practices through faith.
He prayed for people experiencing difficulties and setbacks.
The cleric also offered prayers for Nigeria, asking for peace, progress and prosperity across the country.
The thanksgiving service ended a series of celebrations that united the Oborevwori and Arigbodi families with friends, political associates and well-wishers.
For the two families, the gathering represented more than the conclusion of a wedding programme. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for Innocent and Tobore as they begin their life together.
The dominant message of the day remained gratitude.
As the families reflected on the journey from the traditional marriage ceremony to the thanksgiving service, they gave thanks for safe travels, favourable conditions and the successful completion of the celebrations.
They also expressed hope that the marriage would grow into a peaceful, enduring and prosperous union built on faith, commitment and mutual understanding.
