Just Wedded• He’s
93, she’s 82
By DAVID ONWUCHEKWA, Nnewi
Saturday
January 7, 2006
 |
•NEWLY
WEDDED: Mr and Mrs Joseph Odunukwe on their happy day
•Photo:
Sun News Publishing |
|
A 93-year old retired headmaster, Mr. Joseph Anasimeze Odunukwe
and his wife, Mercy (82), have renewed their marriage vows
at St. Joseph’s Anglican Church, Nnewichi, Nnewi Anambra
State, after 60 years of wedlock.
The diamond jubilee anniversary was officiated by Canon Abel
Okwuchukwu Obi, before whom the couple repeated their vow
amidst cheers from their eleven children, and over 100 grand
children in the congregation. Canon Obi described the family
as a Jesus-based family.
The couple, dressed in wedding garments took dance steps at
their compound after the church service. It was rendered reminiscent
of colonial ball dance as they moved forward, backward, side
ways and turned round, with friends and relations spreading
money to appreciate the dance. The pace and agility may have
slowed alright, but the steps are unmistakable.
When Saturday Sun inquired of the secret behind the longevity
and sustained marriage, Pa Odunukwe whose eyesight a still
as sharp as they’ve always being – he still can
read without glasses - replied: "Many people, especially
the youth today ruin their lives in the name of jet age. They
live on the fast lane. I and my wife take things easy, believing
that God’s time is the best. There is need for moderation
in life."
For Madam Mercy Odunukwe, whose 82nd birthday coincided with
the anniversary, it has not been easy these 60 years in matrimony,
"when he (Pa Odunukwe) is angry, I will cool down and
after sometime, we will reconcile. We are prayerful too."
The octogenarian advised spinsters not to primarily marry
a man because of his wealth but to ensure there is agape love
if the marriage must last.
Pa Odunukwe and his wife were said to have joined in holy
matrimony on December 24, 1945 at St. Mark’s Anglican
Church, Nnewichi, Nnewi. According to a family source, they
worked for the Church Missionary Society (CMS) as teachers
over a period of forty years before retirement.
All the eleven children are professionals in various fields.
One of them, Mr. Uzo said he is overwhelmed and feels great
to witness the parents’ 60th wedding anniversary.
"Some other people at this time may be decorating their
homes preparing for burial but this is a celebration of life.
They are wonderful parents."
Dignitaries on the occasion included Chief Ajulu Uzodike (Ozi
Uzo Nnewi), former governorship aspirant in Anambra and the
chairman of Cutix Plc, Nnewi.
|
