PORT HARCOURT—In a day marked by love, celebration, and state pride, Rivers State Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara graced the solemnization of the Holy Matrimony between Engr Victor Kii, the Commissioner for Agriculture, and his beloved bride, Engr Mercy Mankwe. The highly anticipated wedding ceremony, held on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Chaplaincy of the Catholic Institute of West Africa (CIWA) along the Port Harcourt-Aba Expressway in Rumuibekwe, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, not only witnessed the union of two prominent figures in the state’s public service but also doubled as a celebration of Governor Fubara’s 50th birthday.
The event was a vibrant mix of solemn religious rites and jubilant festivities, reflecting the deep cultural and communal values of Rivers State. As the ceremony unfolded, dignitaries, family members, and friends gathered in large numbers to witness the historic union and to share in the joy of the occasion.
the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Most Rev Matthew Hassan Kukah, extolled the sanctity of marriage while delivering his message at the ceremony, “Marriage is an enduring union ordained by God for two persons—a man and a woman—who have chosen, in love, to spend their lives together,” the Bishop remarked. He urged the newlyweds to embrace the spirit of sacrifice, tolerance, and mutual care, emphasizing that their union should serve as a beacon of hope and strength for their community.
The ceremony was rich with symbolic moments. One of the highlights was the signing of the marriage register by Engr Victor Kii and Engr Mercy Mankwe, a formal act that signified the official and binding nature of their commitment. The couple’s heartfelt exchange, punctuated by an emotional embrace and the presentation of a gleaming wedding ring, captured the attention of all in attendance and soon became the talk of the town on social media.
Amid the wedding celebrations, Governor Fubara also celebrated his 50th birthday, making the day doubly significant. In a heartwarming display of camaraderie and state solidarity, the church presented the Governor with a beautifully decorated 50th birthday cake and a series of thoughtful gifts. Birthday songs filled the air as the Governor cut the cake, and guests joined in the festivities, marking a milestone in his life and tenure with cheer and admiration.
In his vote of thanks, co-celebrant Very Rev Monsignor Pius Kii commended Governor Fubara for his unwavering fatherly support to the family and his remarkable contributions to the state. “Your leadership has not only brought tangible progress to our communities but has also inspired us through your personal commitment to service. We are grateful for your vision and your dedication,” he said, urging all present to recognize the Governor’s role in advancing development across Rivers State.
Governor Fubara, known for his proactive approach to governance under his Renewed Hope Agenda, reiterated his administration’s commitment to investing in projects that have a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of citizens. “Today, as we witness this union and celebrate my milestone birthday, we are reminded that leadership is not only about policy but also about caring for our people. My administration will continue to invest in projects that touch lives, protect communities, and build a healthier future for Rivers State,” he declared during his remarks at the event.
The dual celebration of a landmark matrimonial union and a significant birthday underscores a broader narrative of unity and progress in Rivers State. Both the wedding of Engr Victor Kii and Engr Mercy Mankwe and Governor Fubara’s birthday festivities were seen as symbols of hope and renewed commitment to public service. The event demonstrated that in Rivers State, personal milestones and state achievements can merge to create moments of shared joy and collective aspiration.
Furthermore, the ceremony highlighted the close ties between state leadership and community values. The presence of dignitaries from various sectors, as well as the heartfelt participation of religious and community leaders, underscored the deep respect and admiration that the people of Rivers State have for their leaders. The event was also an opportunity to showcase the state’s robust cultural heritage and its commitment to celebrating milestones in a manner that reinforces communal bonds.
As the day drew to a close, the joyous celebrations were punctuated by prayers for the well-being of the new couple, the Governor, and the entire community. “May God grant you both a lifetime of happiness and unity, and may our state continue to prosper under the guidance of visionary leadership,” the Bishop concluded.
With the echoes of celebration still resonating in the halls of the Our Lady of the Holy Rosary Chaplaincy, the events of Saturday, February 15, 2025, will undoubtedly be remembered as a turning point—a day when love, leadership, and community came together to herald a future of hope, progress, and shared purpose in Rivers State.
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