By Adebayo Olodan
There was an outpour of praises and prayers for the household of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki as he and his wife, Barr. Toyin Ojora Saraki give out the hands of their daughter, Oluwatosin Halimat in holy matrimony to Ogun prince, Adeniyi Olukoya.
Adeniyi, who hails from Ijebu is the son of Prince Adekola Olukoya and Olori Olatokunbo Olukoya.
Among those who have felicitated with the Senate President and his family as soon as news of the wedding broke, this medium gathered is the presidency, members of the National Assembly, ministers and several political appointees.
Also to have rejoiced with the Sarakis, is the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, who is the Chief Host and was said to have set up a high power committee to ensure a smooth outing.
Ahmed was joined in celebrating a man who is described as the ‘architect of modern Kwara’ by political analysts in the state and beyond, by members of the state executive, heads of parastatals and captains of industries.
Not to be left out in appreciating their benefactor are former political office holders in the state.
There was influx of guests and traffic gridlock on major roads in Ilorin, such as Muritala Mohammed Way, Unity Road, Ibrahim Taiwo Road and University Road (Tanke), among others on Thursday and Friday.
…hotels record high patronage
By Daniel Ayantoye
Major hotels in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital recorded unprecedented patronage in preparation for the wedding ceremony of Tosin, the daughter of the Senate President and her beau, Adeniyi Olukoya, National Pilot can report.
This medium gathered last night that major hospitality outfits in the state capital have been fully booked with heavy security presence to ensure protection of lives and property.
At Whitefield Hotel, Gerewu area, one of the receptionists told a customer who had planned to check in to try his luck at other hotels as there are no rooms available at the facility.
Similarly an attendant at Crystal Hotel, Zulu Gambari Road, said, “All our rooms have been fully booked.”
When our reporter inquired if anyone can be accommodated for a night, she said, “No way even if you are to pay us the double of our charges. We would have been happy if we had more rooms to accommodate our customers.”A similar scenario played out at Noktel Hotel, Forest Road, GRA as rooms and suites had been fully occupied.
At Kwara Hotels, heavy presence of soldiers was noticed at the entrance but this medium gathered that while all the rooms had been booked, three suites were still available.
…Kwara Police, NSCDC deploy 2,300 for security
By Ahmed Ajikobi
The Kwara State Police Command has deployed 1,500 officers to provide security for the wedding of Tosin Saraki, the daughter of the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ajayi Okasanmi, during an interview with our reporter on Thursday, the measure is to ensure maximum security during the event.
He said everything is being put in place to have a hitch free ceremony for the citizens and visitors that will be in attendance.
The police image maker said the command is fully prepared adding that the state Commissioner of Police, Lawan Ado has directed that officers should be deployed to strategic areas in the metropolis before, during and after the event.
He said “men of the Intelligence Department, traffic officers among others have been stationed to control traffic and provide security within Ilorin metropolis.
“Security will also be provided at flash point areas, residence of the Senate President and other places like hotels where the visitors would lodge for peace to reign.
Also speaking with National Pilot last night, in a telephone chat, the spokesman of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Henry Bilesanmi said 800 officers had been dispatched to provide security during the ceremony.
Memory Lane: Other weddings of the Sarakis
Today, Saturday 21st October, 2017, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and his wife, two-time first lady of Kwara State will be giving out the hand of their daughter, Tosin in wedding to her beau, Adeniyi Olatunde Olukoya in a high octane ceremony in Ilorin, the state capital.
This is the first time that a member of the ‘nuclear’ Saraki family will be contracting wedding in the ancient city. This is no doubt unconnected with the cult followership enjoyed by Saraki who is leader of the All Progressives Congress in the state. This gesture will no doubt further endear him to the people of Kwara State particularly indigenes of Ilorin, where he hails from.
Here National Pilot takes a look at other marriages contracted in the family of the late patriarch ,
Olusola Saraki.
Bukola Saraki and Toyin Ojora
The Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki is married to Toyin nee Ojora, daughter of a boardroom guru, Otunba Adekunle and his high society wife, Erelu Ojuolape. The couple who are blessed with four children celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary December, last year. Theirs was a grand wedding ceremony held at the Eko Hotels in Lagos.
Gbemi Saraki and Segun Fowora
Gbemisola the first daughter of Late Dr. Olusola Saraki was married to Segun Fowora. The marriage is blessed with three children. The two-term Senator at the National Assembly has remained single since her marriage hit the rocks, years ago.
Tope Saraki and Koye Edu
Tope Edu is the younger sister of Senators Bukola Saraki and Gbemisola Saraki-Fowora, and she is married to Koye Edu, the son of the late Chief S.L. Edu. They tied the nuptial knot in a ceremony held in Lagos State.
Laolu Saraki and Caroline Del Val
Laolu is the last child of the late Olusola and Morenike Saraki. He quitted bachelorhood in July 2011. He is married to a Spanish, Carolina Del Val. The wedding ceremony was held at Iglesia de Las Exclaves and the colourful reception held at B-Castillo de Vinuelas, Spain. The couple welcome a set of twins on 26th, October, 2013.
Our advice, desires for Tosin Saraki, Adeniyi Olukoya – Eminent Kwarans
‘They must balance spiritual, physical aspects of union’
For any marriage to be successful; there is the need for both parties to balance the spiritual and physical aspects of their union. They should be very prayerful, accommodating, committed and be ready to forgive each one another. As a young couple, they need to be extremely patient, which most young marriages lack today. They must understand the purpose of their union which is to act as pillar of support for each other. Of course there will thorns on the way but they should use such challenges as ladder to grow their marriage. There is need to understand and tolerate themselves and spend quality time together. I congratulate the parents for being alive to witness the marriage of their children which is a thing of great joy. It is important for them to realise that marriage is not bed of roses and they need each other to survive. I am really happy for them and pray Almighty God to grant them the necessary wisdom to navigate the murky waters that may come their way in the course of their union and continuously learn from their mistakes going forward.
– DEPUTY SPEAKER, HON MATTHEW OKEDARE (JEBBA).
‘Tosin, hubby should be open to each other’
The bride of today is well brought up and she has learnt well. I am sure she will make a very good wife to Niyi. My advice is that they should be open to each other and be each other’s best friend. I wish them a blissful and fruitful married life. May they find joy and fulfillment in Jesus mighty name.
– KWARA STATE HEAD OF SERVICE, MRS SUSAN OLUWOLE
‘They should be patient always, live in peace’
I expect the couple to live in peace with each other and to be patient always.
They must learn from their parents and remember their backgrounds before taking any action.
The duo should not disappoint their families and everyone who travelled the distance to rejoice with them.’
I witnessed Bukola and Toyin’s wedding and now his daughter too is having her own, I appreciate God for such opportunity.
– ALHAJI SAKA OPOBIYI
‘The couple must tolerate each other’
They must learn to tolerate each other. As it is often said, they must equally be patient in all what they do. They should also inculcate the habit of not discussing their matters with third party. Whatever differences that may come up, they should resolve it amicably without consulting anyone. Not even their parents should know about it. They must stand as one and whatever decision they want to make, they should both deliberate on it. I wish them the best in the world and most especially, I pray God will bless the marriage and make it fruitful
– KWARA APC WOMAN LEADER, HAJIA RAMAT OGANIJA
‘Couple must remember marriage is long, elastic process’
For me, they should see themselves as one and tolerate each other. They should also accord prayer a very important place in the union by regularly praying for each other. The couple must remember that marriage is a long and elastic process, not a one off thing. They must guide against allowing a third party to be the one that is given them direction and put their trust in God. always
– SAKA ISAU (SAN)
‘I wish them God’s continuous guidance’
I wish the couple happy married life and God’s continuous guidance for the success of the marriage.
– SECRETARY TO KWARA STATE GOVERNMENT, ALH. ISIAKA GOLD
‘Halimat should be our ambassador’
Our daughter, Halimat should respect the elders in her husband’s family; father, mother and his relatives. The husband should in return treat his wife according to Allah’s instruction and take care of her to serve as good example in the society.
We (the Agbaji community) has organised prayer to seek protection for the two families and the guests. We also prayed to Allah to bless the union and the couple with long life and good health.
– IMAM AGBAJI, ALH. AMINULAHI AHMAD TANTOLOHUN
‘They should be prayerful’
To enjoy marital bliss, I want to advice them to be prayerful and not allow a third party to interfere in their private affairs. It is also my prayer that Allah should grant the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki long life to witness the wedding ceremony of his other children.
– AMBASSADOR NIMOTA NIHINLOLA AKANBI
‘Couple should not listen to 2nd party’
They shouldn’t listen to second party in their marriage and must not keep friend that will crash their union. The couple must stick to their God. If they have problem, they should go to the holy book for solution. Solution to any marriage problem is in the holy book.
After the wedding, they should kneel down and pray, most especially the woman. She should always kneel down and pray for her husband. Many times, God helps the husband because of the wife and He blesses the man because of his faithfulness to the wife. When such husband gets to high position, he shouldn’t forget his wife. The couple should not also forget their backgrounds and the reputation of both families.
– ALH. LADI HASSAN, EXECUTIVE SECRETARY, FCDA
‘Hubby should be responsible to his herd’
The intending husband of our own Tosin is a complete gentleman, I learnt. But even then, our expectation of him as the shepherd of the house, is that he should be responsible for his herd. I wish the couple eternal bliss together.
– ALI AHMAD
‘She must respect her in-laws’
Our daughter, Halimat Tosin Saraki must be a very good wife to her husband by emulating her emulates her mother who is a good woman. Like her mother she must consistently dialogue with her partner on how to solve their problems among themselves.
Halimat must also respect the family of her husband and be the face of Ilorin in her new home.
I pray that they live happily in good health and with their children. I also wish all our guests safe journey back to their destinations.
I’m happy for the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki for witnessing this wonderful day.
– BALOGUN AJIKOBI, ALH. ISSA MOHAMMED.
‘Marriage not bed of roses’
I first of all congratulate the parents for being alive to witness the marriage of their children. Of course it is the joy of every parent to see this day. For the couple, it is important for them to realise that marriage is not bed of roses and they need patience, love, understanding, commitment and prayer to excel and limit the influence of third party in the union.
– HON SIKIRAT ANAKO
‘They should fear God’
First and foremost, both the bride and groom should fear God because that is the basis and bedrock of a successful marriage. The fear of God I am talking about is an inward thing which should manifest in their outward actions to each other. For their marriage to succeed they need understanding and it is very important for them not to allow third parties to come between them not even from their father-in-laws and mother-in-laws. They should settle any issue between themselves. They should love themselves, be fair and sincere to one another in all circumstances and very importantly, they should be prayerful always and supplicate to God to have a long lasting marital union
– FORMER GRAND KHADI, JUSTICE S.O. MUHAMMED
They should not allow anyone to come between them’
My advice to the latest couple; Barr Tosin Saraki and her husband, Adeniyi Olukoya, is to be prayerful. They should also work together and do everything unison. They should not allow anybody to come between them. Almighty Allah SWT will be their guide and guard them against all forms of evil and evil doers.
COMMISSIONER FOR WOMEN AFFAIRS AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, HAJIA AYINKE SAKA.
