On my fourth day in Nigeria I am lucky enough to experience my first traditional wedding! It was Emmanuel our office manager at GPI. I went with the rest of the GPI staff and we arrived just in time to dance to lead the groom to the centre where the bride and her family waited. There was lots of dancing, music and eating! The ceremony itself was held indoors with only close friends and family present, and the rest of the guests sat outside and awaited the bride and groom to emerge! There was a MC to keep the crowd entertained (although I have yet to learn many words in the local language!) and lots of food! Emmanual emerged with his lovely wife Margaret and danced to celebrate their marriage!
Some photos of the traditional ceremony:
Part two of the wedding happened on Saturday – which was the
church wedding and celebration afterwards. There was an amazing choir in the
church, gave me goosebumps and we were welcomed by all in the church. The cry of
“welcome” is so common, people are genuinely pleased when you greet them or go
to their church. Everyone I have met so far attends church regularly and have a
strong belief in God. There were some similarities between our weddings – there
was a big cake, lots of food and dancing! I liked the dancing section as for
once as a single woman I was able to join the couple in their first dance as
everyone dances – not just other couples!
I’m now really pleased I came straight here and am going
back for training next week as it meant I got to go to the wedding! I’m glad I
was invited, it was such a nice way to get to know my colleagues.
Photos from the church wedding & celebration:
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