The Governor of Imo State, Owelle Rochas Okorocha yesterday called on Nigerians to return to positive Nigeria’s traditional family values, decrying the spate of family problems attributable to holistic adoption of western cultures.
Governor Okorocha made this remark through his Deputy, Prince Eze Madumere in Ibadan while fielding questions from the newsmen shortly after the wedding Church service between Omolola Akintola,the daughter of a fire brand Ibadan based eminent Jurist, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN) and her heartthrob, Dr. Akinwande Onafalujo at Bodija Estate Baptist Church.
Delivering Governor Okorocha’s message, Prince Madumere in his re-evaluation of family values attributed problems at homes to loss of touch of values and norms for peaceful and progressive home. He reminded his audience of the strategic place of family in national development since it is the bedrock of the society.
In his establishment, he said God established family to reflect his character and for the purposes of appreciating His love and peaceful co-existence. He also said that family is a reflection of the grand standard for leadership.
His words in part; “The principle of wives submitting to their husbands is one key principle some wives have taken for granted. If the man is the head of the family, then he has been handed over the mantle of leadership, which means that he deserves some respect and should be listened to and consulted when necessary. On the other hand, husbands must be up and doing in their natural responsibility of providing and protecting the family with the help of the wife who is the help mate. On the other hand, a man must love his wife just as Christ has loved the church. These have been the guiding principle even in every establishment. So, you can see that family life is sacrosanct in Nigerian and African tradition. We must defend it against destruction from strange cultures in all aspects”
His wishes for the couple, Prince Madumere said he has come to identify with the couple especially former Miss Omolola Akintola whose father, Chief Adeniyi Akintola was Governor Okorocha’s childhood friend and has been his personal lawyer for many years. He wished the couple God’s grace and happy married life while urging them to be wary of the third parties who have ended many marriages. He also admonished them to be tolerant to each other; and complement each other as well in areas of weaknesses.
The number two citizen of Imo State had in his company, Imo Liaison Officer, Lagos Liaison, Hon. Barr. Steve Asimobi, his media aide among others. The marriage ceremony also witnessed the presence of the Governor of Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, former Ondo State People’s Democratic People’s Party Guber candidate Chief Jimoh Ibrahim in the last election who came in company of the National Chairman of PDP, Alhaji Alimodu Sheriff among other eminent Jurists both serving and retired.