Today, Saturday, 27th June, 2026, the headquarters of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN), Jos, witnessed a mammoth crowd as its auditorium was filled to capacity for the solemnisation of the holy matrimony between Miss Nanbam Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang and Mr. Jeremiah Adewoye Ayodele.
The occasion attracted personalities from far and near, including politicians, religious and traditional leaders, diplomats, philanthropists, members of the legal profession, including the Nigerian Bar Association, and other distinguished guests who came to celebrate and show solidarity with the families.
Representing the Governor of Gombe State, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, at the occasion, the Deputy Governor of Gombe State, Manassah Daniel Jatau,Ph.D, congratulated the parents of the couple for raising their children with sound values to witness such a memorable milestone in their lives as they begin their journey together as husband and wife.
Dr. Jatau particularly congratulated the Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, for nurturing his daughter, Nanbam, to this important stage of establishing her own family. He described the marriage of a child as one of the greatest joys any parent can experience.
The Deputy Governor reiterated his long-standing advocacy for national unity through inter-ethnic marriages, saying:
“I am an advocate of breaking cultural barriers through inter-ethnic marriages to promote unity among our diverse ethnic groups and communities for the purpose of strengthening the bond of national unity,” he said.
Dr. Jatau explained that the calibre of personalities present at the wedding demonstrated the level of unity that exists among Nigerians from different cultural backgrounds who came together to celebrate one of their own. He urged Nigerians to sustain such unity, noting that it would help restore the country’s lost glory and foster national development.
Delivering the sermon, the guest speaker, Most Reverend Dr. Benjamin Argak Kwashi, captivated the congregation with his engaging and humorous presentation. He centred his message on three major themes: marriage as a sacred institution, cultural barriers, and purity.
The cleric described marriage as a divine institution established by God Himself and affirmed by Jesus Christ.
He reminded Christians that marriage is sacred and should always be upheld in the fear of God, assuring couples of God’s blessings and guidance when His principles are faithfully observed.
Referring to Apostle Paul’s letter to the Ephesians, he explained that the people of Ephesus were deeply involved in pagan practices, which necessitated Paul’s teaching on godly living and family life. He stressed that embracing Biblical principles remains essential for peaceful and successful homes.
Rev. Dr. Benjamin Argak Kwashi further stated that every husband who genuinely loves his wife will enjoy peace and fulfilment in his home, while wives should remain submissive to their husbands, as instructed in Ephesians Chapter 5, verses 22 to 33, from which he drew his sermon.
The preacher further explained that harmful cultural practices have negatively affected many Christian marriages, leading to broken homes and weakening families, communities, and society at large.
Most Reverend Dr. Kwashi noted that only by returning to the true values of love, mutual care, and godly living can peace and stability be restored in families.
He also emphasised the need for families to regain purity, dignity, and moral values in order to build stronger Christian homes and promote the spiritual growth of the Church.
The cleric warned young people, especially girls, against placing material possessions above character when choosing a life partner. He equally urged parents not to relent in raising their children in the fear of the Lord so that they would remain upright even in adulthood.
“Let me tell you, the sweetest home and the nearest place to heaven is a home where a husband truly loves his wife, while the nearest place to hell is a home where godly virtues are missing,” Rev. Dr. Benjamin Argak Kwashi remarked.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Reverend-in- Charge of COCIN Headquarters, Jos, Rev. Dr. Amos Musa Mozho, appreciated the dignitaries for taking time out of their busy schedules to attend the wedding ceremony. He prayed for God’s blessings upon them and called on the congregation to continue praying for the newly married couple.
Delivering the vote of thanks on behalf of the family, the father of the bride and Governor of Plateau State, Barrister Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, who could hardly hide his joy and emotions, expressed profound gratitude to all the dignitaries in attendance. He particularly thanked his fellow governors, both present and represented, members of the National Assembly, members of the State Houses of Assembly, the National Chairman of the APC and his wife, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, and numerous other well-wishers. He said words were insufficient to express the family’s appreciation and prayed that God would richly reward everyone for their support, prayers, and generosity towards his daughter’s wedding.
The ceremony was further enriched with colourful musical renditions by various Church groups, adding splendour to the occasion.
A grand reception was later held at Langfield, where guests were entertained with a variety of delicious meals.