The Idrinana Hotel in Lokoja came alive with glamour, music, and celebration on Saturday evening as dignitaries from across the country gathered for the wedding reception of APC senatorial aspirant, Dr. Tim Nda Diche, Ph.D., and his bride, Zainab Lilichi Abu.
The colourful reception followed the couple’s Wedding Fatiha and traditional marriage rites held earlier in the day at Adankolo New Layout, Lokoja. The event attracted political leaders, traditional rulers, business executives, government officials, family members, and friends who converged to celebrate the newlyweds.
Elegantly decorated in white and gold with rich Kogi cultural accents, the banquet hall of Idrinana Hotel provided a fitting backdrop for the occasion. Guests were treated to a spectacular evening as the couple made a grand entrance to loud cheers and applause from well-wishers.
Dr. Nda Diche, dressed in a distinguished milk-coloured agbada, and his bride, Zainab, radiant in a beautifully embellished white and gold gown complemented by a matching gele, were warmly received by guests as they took their seats at the high table.
The atmosphere became even more vibrant with performances from renowned musicians and cultural troupes, including the Bassan’ge and Igala cultural groups. Their energetic displays of traditional dance, drumming, and songs celebrating love, unity, and family captivated the audience throughout the night.
Among the prominent guests at the reception were the Maigari of Lokoja, HRH Alhaji Ibrahim Gambo Kabir, Markarfi IV, alongside several other traditional rulers whose presence underscored the significance of the occasion.
In their goodwill messages, family representatives and invited speakers described the union as a blessed and timely one, offering prayers for a successful and enduring marriage built on love, patience, understanding, and mutual respect.
A memorable highlight of the evening was the cutting of the multi-tiered wedding cake by the couple, followed by a ceremonial toast attended by family members, friends, and dignitaries.
Guests were served an array of local and continental delicacies while soft music added elegance to the celebration. The event also drew APC stalwarts, serving and former government appointees, lawmakers, commissioners, youth leaders, women groups, and business leaders from Abuja, Nasarawa, Niger State, and other parts of the country.
Many attendees described the reception as one of the most elaborate and well-attended wedding celebrations in Lokoja in recent times, commending both families for their hospitality and the seamless blend of tradition, culture, and modern sophistication that characterized the event.
