Chudi’s post:
“ To do a decent wedding in this economy would cost you 11–15 million naira.
This used to be 3-4 million, just 4 years ago.
This is for an average wedding.
An elaborate lavish wedding now costs between 25 and 100 million naira.
What this means is that not many young people can afford to experience the wedding of their dreams anymore because the country is rigged against young people.”
My reply
Chudi.
I began my decent marriage ceremonies with the necessary traditional rites, including the traditional wedding on 5th January 2006. Shortly after that, I joined Mr. Peter Obi as his Special Assistant.
I didn’t print or extend invitations for the wedding; I only informed Mr. Peter Obi because I needed his permission to travel to Abuja for the ceremony. My friends, for whom I had previously contributed to their weddings, wanted to do the same for me, but I stopped them.
I made it clear to my wife that I wanted a wedding in what Catholics refer to as a “morning Mass wedding.“ However, after some compromises, we ended up having the ceremony at the old Chapel of Pope John Paul II Centre in Wuse II.
At that time, I had a house in Lugbe. While I left my car to take my mother and mother-in-law to the wedding venue, I trekked to the major road and took a taxi to the location. During the preparations, people suggested hiring vehicles to transport guests from the East to Abuja, but I declined. I was firm that I would not take responsibility for anyone. I clearly stated that if someone couldn’t make it, they should simply relax. Some of my brothers did not make it. Deep down, I didn’t believe people would travel such a distance for a wedding; I thought those nearby would attend. I still hold a similar belief till date even regarding to burials as well.
The wedding was conducted by Fr. Callistus Igwenagu, Fr. Simon Obiakor (my classmate), Fr. Henry Okeke, and Fr. Malachy Obiejesi. When Fr. Igwenagu asked about the arrangements for the choir, I laughed and told him that whatever the church choir could sing would be enough for me. Though my wife had a chief bridesmaid and a bridal train, I did not have a best man.
After the ceremony, we held a brief gathering where Prof. Ikechukwu spoke about marriage and its requirements. This was arranged between the professor and me to convey that the essence of marriage goes beyond extravagant celebrations. He addressed my wife’s audience since I hadn’t invited anyone. In fact, when my good friend and big brother, Mr. Arinze Orakwue, arrived at the wedding, he jokingly tapped my head and said he wouldn’t have known if it weren’t for my wife.
After the brief ceremony, which lasted less than an hour, we took a taxi home. Around 1 p.m., Mr. Ndibe Obi called to say he was at Pope John Paul II Centre but hadn’t seen anyone. I informed him that the wedding had concluded and that we were already home. He laughed, saying it was quite an unconventional wedding, and he ended up coming to my house.
After the wedding, I received numerous text messages praising me for demonstrating that one doesn’t need to spend excessively to have a wedding. When I returned to Awka, all the commissioners and everyone else were surprised that I hadn’t informed them.
Reflecting on it, if one wants their wedding to be popular, especially if they are wealthy, it’s best to keep it as simple as possible. I believe that no matter how extravagant one’s wedding may be, there will always be others that are more elaborate.
Here is the corrected version:
All in all, my marriage was as decent as decency can be. If the projected cost is what is inhibiting you, Chudi, please consult me
