Dare Babalola
The Vice President, Kashim Shettima, on Saturday led a high-powered delegation of political leaders and dignitaries to the wedding fatiha of the children and a cousin of Babagana Zulum in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.
According to a State House press release issued by Stanley Nkwocha, the ceremony drew prominent figures from across Nigeria’s political landscape, underscoring its significance as both a social and political gathering.
“The Vice President led political leaders and other dignitaries to the wedding fatiha of three children and a cousin of Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum in Maiduguri, the state capital,” the statement said.
The event was described as a high-profile occasion, with Vice President Shettima arriving alongside key figures in government and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), including its National Chairman, Nentawe Yilwatda.
Also present were governors, members of the National Assembly, ministers, and former state executives.
“The wedding fatiha turned out to be a high-profile social event, as the Vice President arrived in the company of governors, members of the National Assembly, serving ministers, former governors and their deputies,” the statement noted.
During the ceremony, Vice President Shettima played a key traditional role, serving as Waliyi (guardian) for one of the brides, Aisha Babagana Zulum.
In that capacity, he gave her hand in marriage to Mohammed Idi Barde, son of the Deputy Governor of Yobe State.
“Serving as the Waliyi for Aisha Babagana Zulum, Senator Shettima gave the daughter of Governor Zulum in marriage to the son of the deputy governor of Yobe State, Mohammed Idi Barde,” the statement added.
The ceremony also witnessed multiple unions within the Zulum family. Umar Babagana Zulum was joined in marriage to Fatima Azzaki Jidda, while Mamman Babagana Zulum wedded Yagana Mustapha Busuguma.
In addition, Abba Abubakar Umara tied the knot with Aisha Ibrahim Musa.
Beyond the ceremonial proceedings, the Vice President offered prayers and guidance to the newlyweds, emphasizing values essential for marital success.
“VP Shettima prayed Almighty Allah to guide the newly wedded couples, just as he counseled them on mutual respect and patience, as they build their new homes,” Nkwocha stated.
The event attracted a wide array of senior government officials and political leaders, including former minister Babagana Kingibe; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas; and Deputy Senate President, Jibril Barau.
Governors from several states were also present, reflecting the national spread of attendees. These included the governors of Kaduna, Gombe, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kano, Nasarawa, Sokoto, and Katsina States.
Members of the Federal Executive Council were not left out, with ministers overseeing portfolios such as Agriculture, Budget and Economic Planning, Housing and Urban Development, Health and Social Welfare, Education, and Regional Development attending the ceremony.
Also in attendance was former Borno State governor, Ali Modu Sheriff, alongside other notable political figures.
The statement concluded by noting that the ceremony proceeded peacefully, with dignitaries offering goodwill messages and prayers for the couples, while reinforcing the significance of family, unity, and community in public life.
