Lawmaker Abejide Urges Nigerians to Keep Faith in Marriage Amid Economic Hardships
In a heartfelt address, Leke Abejide, the member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, has called on Nigerians to remain steadfast and not let the prevailing economic difficulties destabilize their marriages and family life. Abejide, who also chairs the House Committee on Customs and Excise, delivered this message during a special thanksgiving service held at Christ Wisdom Gospel Church in Kubwa, Abuja, on Sunday. The event celebrated the 50th birthday of his wife, Esther Abejide, and their 20th wedding anniversary, drawing a significant crowd of political associates, family members, and well-wishers.
Emphasis on Core Values and Resilience
Abejide emphasized that sustaining a successful marriage requires adherence to core values rooted in love, mutual understanding, and faith in God. He cited biblical injunctions as a guide and cautioned couples against allowing financial strain to weaken their relationships. "My message to Nigerians is simple: do not allow hardship to destroy your marriage. Let God remain your foundation. When you have God, things will fall into place," he stated. The lawmaker further argued that despite widespread complaints about economic challenges, there are still visible indicators of economic activity across Nigeria, including ongoing construction projects, vehicle purchases, and international travel, suggesting resilience in the face of adversity.
Wife's Insights and Political Support
In her remarks, Mrs. Esther Abejide attributed the longevity of their marriage to patience, love, and mutual understanding, underscoring the importance of faith, prayer, and sacrifice in building a stable home. She noted that balancing her role as a politician's wife with her religious commitments has been seamless due to her passion for people and service. The event also featured political figures, including Senator Sunday Karimi, representing Kogi West Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services, who expressed optimism about Nigeria's economic trajectory under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Karimi called for patience among Nigerians, stating that the current administration is repositioning the economy for long-term stability and dismissed concerns over government borrowing by drawing parallels with global economies like the United States.
Political Advice and Party Loyalty
Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, delivered a goodwill message during the reception held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre in Abuja. He advised Abejide to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) rather than defect to another party, praising his growing influence within the ADC and urging him not to abandon the platform he has helped to strengthen. Gbajabiamila encouraged Abejide to "hold on to your party," while commending his leadership style and political efforts. This advice came shortly after former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello publicly invited Abejide to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) and admonished stakeholders in Mopamuro Local Council to allow Abejide to run for a third term, after which it would be their turn to produce the next member of the House of Representatives for Yagba Federal Constituency.
Event Highlights and Attendees
The well-attended event featured the donation of an 18-seater bus to the church and included notable attendees such as:
- Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo
- Former Governor Yahaya Bello
- Senator Sunday Karimi
- Member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency, James Faleke
- Several other sitting members of the Green Chamber
- Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Aliyu Umar Yusuf
- Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the APC, Duro Meseko
- Former members representing Kabba/Bunu/Ijumu and Yagba Federal Constituencies, Tajudeen Yusuf and Samuel Aro
- Traditional rulers from Okunland led by the Obaro of Kabba, Oba Solomon Dele Owoniyi
- Popular Nigerian Nollywood actors, including Femi Adebayo, Bolaji Amusan (a.k.a Mr Latin), Fathia Balogun, Ronke Oshodi Oke, and Antar Laniyan
Abejide, a second-term serving member of the House of Representatives elected back-to-back in 2019 and 2023 on the platform of the ADC, continues to advocate for resilience and faith amid Nigeria's economic reforms. The event underscored the intersection of personal values, political loyalty, and national challenges, highlighting the importance of community support in navigating difficult times.
