By Okoh Joshua Eleojo, Nafisat Tordue, VeraKome Doofan & Andofa Andre
A Christian cleric, Bishop Peter Sunday Ogidan has called on the public to encourage inter-tribal marriages in order to foster peaceful co-existence among the diverse tribes in Nigeria.
Speaking at Rapha Ministry, Makurdi on Sunday where he celebrated his 45th marriage anniversary, Bishop Ogidan who said he has been in an inter-tribal marriage for 45 years, praised the institution. He disclosed that his wife, Rachel Victoria Ogidan is from Kassa in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State and their marriage is harmonious.
The cleric described the occasion as double celebration because it also marks his 70 birthday anniversary. He added that he is particularly grateful to God because the marriage has produced 4 children.
The Bishop maintained that in a country where the culture is diverse, it is interesting that he has sons in-law from different states of Nigeria.He said, he would marry his wife again, if they had the chance to rewrite their story, adding that his wife is his helpmate, like it is stated in the Bible. “She is my friend, confidant, partner and everything including the mother of my home and ministry”. He prayed that God allow them more years together
In her remarks, the wife of Bishop Ogidan, Revered Rachel Ogidan added that inter-tribal and inter-cultural marriages should be termed as a blessing and peace between tribes, communities, religions and languages.
She revealed that, her first daughter is married to an Idoma man from Benue State. According to her, the second daughter is married to someone from Delta State while the last daughter is married to a man from Ebonyi State. “My only son, Israel Ogidan took a wife from Abinsi, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State” she expressed excitement that five (5) states operate from her house
The event was attended by Bishops Timothy Kume of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, and Yimam Orkwar of All Nations Evangelism Ministries, who in their remarks lauded the determination, courage and resilience of Bishop Ogidan.
There was also a strong delegation of the Yoruba community led by their leader chief Adeyemi Apanpa and Asiwaju Isaac Akinkumi (TITO) and other pastors that grew under Bishop Peter Sunday Ogidan’s tutelage.
