By Rasheed Abubakar
It was a rainy Saturday, October 7, 2017, yet families and friends defied the rain to honour AbdulKabeer Oluwadare Taiwo Kuye and his sweetheart, Ghaniyyah Adebanke Badmus as they bid farewell to the single life in a holy solemnization held at the iconic Lagos State Secretariat Mosque Multipurpose Hall, which has become a regular venue for Nikaahs and other functions in recent times.
As the guests, who were adorned in Sky and Navy Blue, Burgundy and Gold Aso-Ebi took their respective seats, the elated groom watched with glee and joy as the bride entered the hall majestically in a bridal train heavily populated by her friends.
It was a Muslim Nikaah that saw the groom – a Chartered Accountant, Risk Consultant with KPMG and Islamic Finance professional – appear in a simple but beautifully embroidered white Agbada with a touch of carton brown while the bride – a Medical Doctor – put on a cream and brown Jilbaab, a long and loose fitting garment worn by Muslim women. Interestingly, the couple are both active members of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN), Lagos State Area Unit, with AbdulKabeer being the current Auditor of the Unit.
The colourful shindig was committed into the hands of Allah with an opening prayer, followed by an awe-inspiring recitation from the Noble Qur’an which centred on the institution of marriage between men and women as ordained by Allah.
In his lecture, the Amir, MSSN Lagos, Dr Saheed Ashafa said An-Nikaah (marriage), just like Solat (prayer) is an act of worship for the couple, their parents and the guests who honoured #BANKEDARE17, the hashtag created to celebrate the couple. Dr Ashafa warned young single Muslims against zina (fornication) and illegal marriage, which according to him “is an invitation to Allah’s wrath.”
AbdulKabeer and Ghaniyyah were officially pronounced husband and wife by the Honourable Commissioner for Home Affairs of Lagos State, Dr Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef, ably represented by Dr AbdulMajeed, who advised the couple to always exercise patience in every situation.
The solemnization was followed with a reception at the same venue, anchored by emerging celebrity Muslim MCs; Alhaji Mustafa Kelani and Alhaji AbdulGaniyy Edu. The two bubbling hosts were totally in charge as they gave adequate accounts of their prowess in English and Yoruba. The couple, who were seen seated separately with their families before the Nikah, now sat together in a beautifully decorated chair as they watched school children and Muslim poets led by Abdul Alim Ajenifuja entertained the guests.
There was so much to eat and drink. The G&G Catering Services staff proved to be good hosts with requisite culinary experience, and made sure that all the guests – irrespective of status – were served continental and traditional Nigerian dishes, including a variety of non-alcoholic drinks.
In his vote of thanks, the new groom thanked his families, friends and everyone who made it to their Nikaah despite the rain. He also appreciated the parents of his wife, Alhaji and Alhaja Nurudeen Badmus and their families for accepting him as an in-law and a son.
“We wish to express our profound gratitude to Almighty Allah who has made this day a reality, and to our parents, families and friends for making this special day even greater by sharing it with us, we say thank you. This is a day we will always cherish. We seek Almighty Allah’s guidance as we build our future.
May Allah continue to strengthen the bond between us and bless you all. We wish you all journey mercies back to your destinations,” he added.
AbdulKabeer Taiwo Kuye studied Accounting at the University of First Choice and the Nation’s Pride, the University of Lagos after bagging a Higher National Diploma in Accounting from the prestigious Lagos State Polytechnic, Ikorodu.
He is an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and is also set to be inducted as an Associate Member of the Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals next month, after completing its professional exams earlier this year.
Taiwo also attended Yewande Memorial School, Surulere and Command Secondary School, Ibadan for his primary and secondary education respectively, and was recently sighted at the Gala Nite of his alma-mater’s 40th anniversary held in Ibadan on 30th September, 2017.
AbdulKabeer did not only pursue Western education, as he also graduated from Daaru Ta’leemil Arabiyy wal – Islaamiyy, Surulere, Lagos in 2006 under the tutelage of the late Sheikh Alhaji AbdulKareem Qasim Olohunoyin.
The Bride, Hajia (Dr) Ghaniyyah Badmus is a medical doctor, having studied Medicine and Surgery at the College of Medicine, University of Lagos. She currently serves the nation via the NYSC scheme at King Fahd Hospital, Zamfara State.
She attended AUD Primary School, Oshodi and Ewutuntun Secondary School, Ewutuntun, Oshodi for her primary and secondary education respectively.
She is a graduate of Mazharul-Uloom in Oshodi, where she had her Qur’anic and Arabic studies.
