… As Kalu’s daughter, Neya, and Lawrence Iyere tie the knot in Lagos
Colour, class, glamour. These and more features were on display in copious quantities yesterday in Lagos.
Eminent businessman and former governor of Abia State, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, played host to the creme de la creme of Nigerian society, as his delectable daughter, Catherine Ogbonneya, fondly called Neya, tied the knot with her heartthrob, Lawrence Iyere.
Though the church service was slated for 12 noon, guests were already waiting for the event to start as early as 10am.
One could easily lose count of the political heavyweights, business tycoons, technocrats, religious leaders and professionals from all walks of life that graced the occasion. The event provided a platform for the former governor’s friends and associates to engage in long chats.
An array of automobiles competed for space at the church’s car park. Sport utility vehicles of different brands, sport cars and other exotic automobiles dotted the arena and extended to the Falomo Roundabout.
When the couple stepped into the church’s auditorium around 1pm, the four corners of the church reverberated with the shouts of “hallelujah” from the congregation.
During the thanksgiving, the bride and groom danced to beautiful songs rendered by the church choir. The choristers, who were dressed in black and white, were in their best element. They sang their hearts out to the delight of guests and the latest couple in town.
The groom was dressed in a white jacket and black bow tie to match his black trousers, while his wife was in a white gown. The bride’s train also wore white.
It was gathered that the couple met and started their friendship at the University of Buckingham, United Kingdom, where they both graduated.
Iyere, who obtained his masters’ degree in the UK, is a native of Irrua in Edo State. He is an entrepreneur with interests in oil and gas, real estate and trading.
Delivering the sermon, the Catholic Bishop of Umuahia, Abia State, Lucius Ugorji, said the bride personally pleaded with him last year to officiate at her wedding.
According to him, love starts from the engagement ring to the wedding ring and is ultimately consecrated with endless sacrifice.
“It is love that brought the two of you together. This love mirrors the love of God in your lives. You must be ready to tolerate each other and forgive at all times. Fidelity is important in keeping the home from crisis.
“Be good teachers to your children because the society is built on these children. If you fail to train them in the way of the Lord, the society will suffer the consequences.
Cardinal Onaiyekan prayed for the couple to be fruitful as they begin a new phase of life. He admonished them to use the union to bring honour to themselves, their loved ones and the society.
At the reception, Oriental Hotel was completely shut down. Vehicular movement came to a standstill. The entire parking space was filled with vehicles. The compere was the popular comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka. He described the gathering as the mother of all gatherings, adding that the groom and his bride were a special breed. He begged not to observe protocol, saying that the dignitaries had overwhelmed him.
Also, ace comedian, Bright Okpocha, popularly known as Basketmouth, kept the hearts of the guests warm with humour. He cracked jokes cutting across all spheres of life. Soon after, the live band did justice to both local and foreign songs to keep the hall charged.
Kalu, the proud dad, and his family members were the first to get on the dance floor. They were followed by the Iyeres before other ecstatic guests joined the party.