The Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Akwa Ibom State, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, has urged newly married couples to prioritise companionship, communication and commitment, warning against allowing professional engagements to undermine family responsibilities.
Obareki gave the advice on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the wedding ceremony of her personal photographer, Mr Udeme Effiong, and his bride, Ukeme John, at Glory World International Gospel Centre, Uyo.
She particularly cautioned the groom against allowing work demands to keep him away from his wife, stressing the importance of creating time for one another and nurturing their relationship.
Describing marriage as a relationship that requires deliberate effort from both partners, Obareki said couples should learn to manage their differences and remain committed through difficult moments.
“I don’t know why people say marriage is not a bed of roses. As a matter of fact, I beg to differ. Marriage is a bed of roses. Why do I say that? Roses, as beautiful and as fragrant as they are, also have thorns. So it is a bed of roses. You just have to learn to trim your thorns and the marriage will be exactly what you want it to be,” she said.
She expressed delight at the atmosphere of affection and happiness surrounding the ceremony and prayed for lasting love, peace, harmony and fulfilment in the couple’s home.
Obareki also wished the couple children and other blessings, urging them to sustain the affection and understanding that brought them together.
Earlier, the Senior Pastor of Glory World International Gospel Centre and officiating minister, Apostle Samuel Effiong, identified love as the foundation of a successful marriage, noting that spouses must be willing to support each other’s personal growth and aspirations.
He advised the couple against expecting perfection from each other, explaining that marriage provides an opportunity for partners to learn, improve and build one another through patience and understanding.
The cleric also emphasised effective communication, urging them to develop the habit of listening to each other rather than concentrating on having their opinions heard.
According to him, genuine love must be demonstrated through giving, kindness and practical care, adding that couples should build their relationship on mutual trust rather than attempts to control one another.
He further encouraged the newlyweds to cultivate forgiveness and resolve disagreements promptly instead of allowing misunderstandings to damage their relationship.
The ceremony featured the exchange of marital vows and rings, signing of the marriage register and cutting of the wedding cake.
The event attracted family members, friends and associates of the couple from Udung Uko and Ikono, as well as government officials and other dignitaries
