Tinubu and Sao Tome President Joins Matawalle for Grand Wedding of 10 Children

President Tinubu joins Minister Bello Matawalle in Abuja for the grand wedding of ten children amid public outcry.

President Tinubu and Minister Bello Matawalle at the Abuja National Mosque for the wedding of ten children.

Abuja stood still on Friday as top dignitaries gathered for a massive family celebration hosted by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle.

In a rare and colorful event, the Minister gave out five daughters in marriage and celebrated the weddings of five of his sons, all on the same day.

The ceremony, which took place at the National Mosque, Abuja, drew a high-powered crowd. President Bola Tinubu was the guest of honor, taking on the traditional role of "Wali" (guardian) to receive the brides on behalf of the Matawalle family.

The event took on an international flavor with the presence of Carlos Vila Nova, the President of São Tomé and Príncipe, who sat alongside President Tinubu.

Other heavyweights in attendance included Deputy Senate President Jubril Barau and several state governors, including Ahmad Aliyu of Sokoto, Umar Namadi of Jigawa, and Nasir Idris of Kebbi.

After the religious rites performed by Prof. Luqman Zakariyah, the celebration moved to a grand reception. The Imam offered prayers for the ten couples, wishing them success and fruitfulness in their new homes.

However, the glitzy event has not been without controversy. While Matawalle took to social media to thank the President for his support, many Nigerians expressed different views.

Public reactions have been sharp, with some critics questioning why the President attended the celebration shortly after a tragic terrorist attack in Kwara State that claimed many lives.

Despite the backlash, the "mega-wedding" remains the talk of the day in the FCT, marking a significant personal milestone for the former Zamfara State Governor.