By Peter Omopo
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for attending the wedding fātiḥa of his children in Abuja.
In a statement shared on his verified Facebook page on Saturday, Matawalle also thanked the President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, Carlos Vila Nova, noting that his presence added special significance to the occasion.
The wedding fātiḥa, which involved Matawalle’s ten children—five daughters and five sons—was held at the National Mosque, Abuja. President Tinubu served as the Wali (guardian) to the brides during the ceremony, a gesture the minister described as a rare honour.
“I am deeply honoured and profoundly grateful to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, for graciously serving as Wali at the wedding fātiḥa of my children held at the National Mosque, Abuja,” Matawalle said. “I remain sincerely honoured by this rare privilege.”
He added that the attendance of President Carlos Vila Nova further enriched the celebration, describing it as a meaningful contribution to the joyous event.
The former Zamfara State governor, who served from 2019 to 2023, also extended gratitude to members of the Federal Executive Council, serving and former governors, lawmakers, friends, family members, and well-wishers from across the country who attended the ceremony or supported the family in various ways.
Matawalle concluded by offering prayers for all who travelled to attend the event, asking God to reward them abundantly and grant them safe journeys back to their destinations.
