In a momentous ceremony held at the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Agwara, the Catholic Bishop of the Kontagora Diocese, Most Rev Dr Bulus Yohanna, officiated a mass wedding for 30 couples in the Agwara Local Government Area of Niger State on Sunday.
Addressing the congregation, Bishop Yohanna emphasized the sanctity of marriage, asserting that a union is incomplete until it is legally formalized, coupled with traditional rites such as paying a bride price and receiving the church’s blessing. He sternly denounced the prevailing local custom allowing men to cohabit with multiple women without fulfilling these essential requirements, urging the community to embrace a marital foundation that aligns with both religious principles and legal standards.
The Parish Priest, Rev Fr Emmanuel Okoro, revealed that the 30 couples had diligently completed their traditional marriage rites, including the payment of bride prices. He further highlighted that the couples underwent three months of rigorous marriage counseling, a prerequisite that qualified them to be united in holy matrimony within the church.
Among the newlyweds were Shuaibu Bisallah and his wife, who conveyed their joy at the occasion. Having cohabited for several years and raising four children together, they expressed gratitude for the official recognition of their union. They credited Bishop Yohanna for enlightening them on the significance of adhering to the proper procedures and formalizing their commitment.
