Shettima Attends Teacher’s Daughter Wedding and Reflects on What Ibadan Taught Him

Shettima Attends Teacher’s Daughter Wedding and Reflects on What Ibadan Taught Him
Vice-President Kashim Shettima has characterized Ibadan, the capital of Oyo state, as his home, where he learned to turn everything that came his way….

Ibukun Okunmadewa, the bride, and Obafemi Omitiran, the groom, were married.

Ibukun, the bride, is Prof. Folusho Okunmadewa’s daughter, whom the Vice President characterized as “my beloved teacher.”

Shettima, who peppered his address with lines from ‘Ibadan,’ a poem by one of Nigeria’s best poets, John Pepper Clark, said he was in Ibadan not as a visitor, but as a member of the bride’s family to greet wedding guests.

“As a result, I’m here to welcome you as visitors to this ancient city of memories.” Ibadan is a home to me, a place that shaped me and taught me to turn every chance that comes my way.”

“This would not have been easy without the patience of my beloved teacher, Prof. Folusho Okunmadewa, whose daughter, Ibukun, and groom, Obafemi, we are here to celebrate as they embark on a beautiful journey of discovering the essence of life.”

The Vice President stated that the wedding gathering was not just a group of friends, but a close-knit family joined by time, education, and unbreakable relationships.

“As I look around this room, I’m reminded not only of a city that has woven its culture, values, and aspirations deep into my being, but also of how fate has played a part in expanding relationships and families,” Shettima explained.

Vice President Shettima praised the bride’s father, Prof. Okunmadewa, calling him “a beacon of wisdom and guidance for a vast generation of scholars.”

“I consider myself fortunate to not only benefit from the intellectual oasis that is the University of Ibadan, but also to identify as a member of the family and a qualified son of the soil.”

He expressed his understanding of how a father feels on the day he gives his daughter’s hand in marriage and prayed for the newlywed couple to deepen their love for each other.

“One of the most profound bitter/sweet experiences in human existence is giving away one’s daughter in marriage.”

“It serves as a reminder that life is a journey of chance, hope, and change.”

“However, I have no doubt that you have instilled in Ibukun the moral discipline she requires to carry on from this day forward, away from her first family.” And I hope that her new life offers her nothing but joy.”

Among those who attended the wedding event were Adebayo Lawal, Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno, and Prof. Isaac Adewole, former Minister of Health.

Others in attendance included Shubham Chaudhuri, Country Representative of the World Bank in Nigeria, and Prof. Kayode Adebowale, Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan.

Before returning to Abuja, Shettima attended the wedding celebration of Suliat Alli and Abdulqudus Okeowo at the University of Ibadan.