It was a vibrant celebration of love, family and friendship on Saturday, August 22, 2026, as Shekina Chidinma Umahi and Shope Alexandra Ayinde were joined in holy matrimony at Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) Powerlink Chapel, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.
The ceremony which attracted an impressive gathering of Governors, Senior government officials, lawmakers, business leaders, traditional rulers, captains of industry, family members and friends from across the country, all united to celebrate the young couple and their families.
Shekina is the niece of the Honourable Minister of Works, Senator Engr. David Umahi, and the daughter of Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Pastor Obi Abel Umahi, Shope is the son of Commodore NN (Rtd.) Deacon Adebayo Abidemi Ayinde.
Senator Umahi, who also serves as Deputy Director-General of Infrastructure, Mobilization and Sensitization of the 2027 All Progressive Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council, attended the ceremony to celebrate with his niece and the families of the newlyweds.
The Minister was joined by the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; the Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, CON; and the Governor of Abia State, Dr. Alex Otti, who chaired the occasion.
In his opening remarks, Abia Governor, Otti described marriage as a lifelong commitment and encouraged the couple to build their home on patience, understanding and tolerance.
With characteristic humour, he reminded Shekina and Shope that marriage requires a determined effort to make the union work. “I want to tell you in advance that I won’t be present and as such, I declare that this marriage is indissoluble,” he said.
The parents of the bride and groom separately expressed their gratitude and joy at witnessing the marriage of their children.
They described Shekina and Shope as outstanding young people who had distinguished themselves through their formative years and into adulthood, bringing pride to their families.
They prayed for God’s guidance, peace, happiness and prosperity in the couple’s life together, while wishing them a fulfilling and enduring marriage.
The Umahi family formally welcomed the newlyweds through the presentation of family gifts. The gifts were presented on behalf of the family by the Chairman of the Uburu Traditional Rulers Council, HRH Eze Laz Umahi, PhD.
The ceremony also drew representatives of several state govts. The Governor of Ebonyi State, Rt. Hon. Francis Nwifuru, was represented by his deputy, Patricia Obila.
The Governor of Enugu State, Peter Mbah, represented by his deputy, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai, while the Governor of Kogi State, Usman Ododo, was represented by his deputy, Comrade Joel Oyibo.
The Governor of Edo State, Senator Monday Okpebholo, was represented by the Commissioner for Public Safety and Security, Rt. Hon. Festus Ebea. Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor.
Among the distinguished guests were Tony Elumelu, Chairman of Heirs Holdings; Dr. Adebowale Adedokun, Director-General and Chief Executive Officer of Bureau of Public Procurement; Admiral Alison Madueke, GCON, former Chief of Naval Staff; and Prof. Patrick Utomi.
Also present were Oliver Alawuba, Group Managing Director of UBA, represented by Chidi Okpara; Mr. Adebiyi Olalekan, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Lorelei Construction Limited; Engr. Solomon Dacree; Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, Chairman of Orient Global Limited; Chief Ifeanyi Clement Okorie, Chairman of Rock Results Group; and Barr. Chioma Nweze, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (South East), among others.
The Ministry of Works was represented by the Minister of State for Works, Rt. Hon. Bello Goronyo; Senator Allwell Onyesoh, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Works; Hon. Akin Alabi, Chairman of the House Committee on Works; and Engr. Musa Saidu, Director of Highways, Bridges and Designs.
Other members of the Umahi family at the occasion included HRH Eze Laz Umahi, PhD; Barr. Roy Umahi, SAN, FCArb, of Roy and Associates; and Chief Austine Umahi, popularly known as Anyanwu Igbo and Chairman of the Amino Kano University Board.
As the celebration brought the two families together, guests offered prayers, goodwill and heartfelt congratulations to Shekina and Shope, wishing them a peaceful, happy and lasting marriage.
