Ezeibe–Lassina Wedding Draws Top African Dignitaries To Marrakech, Morocco

By Boniface Ihiasota, Washington DC, USA

Marrakech, the historic and picturesque city in the Kingdom of Morocco, was transformed into a theatre of elegance and high society as African political elites, business magnates, diplomats and prominent families converged for the wedding of Munachi “Muna” Ezeibe and Cherina Zerbo Lassina.

The ceremony, which held between May 8 and 9 and covered by Diaspora Watch Newspaper, brought together influential guests from Nigeria, Burkina Faso, Europe, Canada and the United States, in what can be described as one of the most sophisticated African destination weddings in recent times.

The union joined two respected families, that of Nigerian businessman Chief Ezeibe and the distinguished household of former Burkina Faso Prime Minister Dr. Zerbo Lassina.

Former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar chaired the event as Father of the Day, adding political gravitas to an already glittering occasion.

In brief remarks that drew warm applause, he recalled his decades-long relationship with the groom’s father, noting that their friendship dated back to the 1980s, long before either man attained national prominence.

Atiku described Chief Ezeibe as “a great trustworthy man,” praising his consistency, loyalty and integrity over the years.

Turning to the couple, he offered a simple but powerful charge: “Love one another, trust each other, and always be there for one another — because at the end of the day, it’s just the two of you.”

He departed for Abuja shortly after, following goodwill messages to the newlyweds.

The emotional tone of the ceremony deepened when the groom’s mother, Mrs. Ezeibe, took the floor to speak about her son.

She described Muna as caring, dependable and exceptionally kind-hearted, recalling a touching childhood moment when he wrote her a letter at the age of eight, promising lifelong love, protection and support.

She disclosed that the letter remains preserved and laminated to this day.

Mrs. Ezeibe also spoke glowingly of Cherina, stating that after meeting her, she became convinced her son had found his true life partner.

She publicly welcomed the bride into the family as her second daughter and urged Muna to continue to cherish and love his wife.

The bride’s mother, Evelyne Zerbo Lassina, delivered a similarly emotional speech, noting the values of faith, unity, generosity and family bonding.

She praised Cherina’s compassionate nature and described Muna as a man of sincerity whose devotion had earned the confidence of her family.

Her remarks were met with repeated standing ovations from guests.

The ceremony attracted a high-profile guest list, including Margaret Obi, wife of Peter Obi; Chief and Lolo Emma Bishop Okonkwo; Chief Walter Chinedu Obi; Dr. Ernest Azudialu-Obiejesi and his wife, alongside several other dignitaries from political, diplomatic, traditional and business circles.

In her remarks, Mrs Margaret Obi congratulated the newlyweds and urged them to build their union on mutual respect, trust and understanding.

She described marriage as a sacred institution that thrives on patience, sacrifice and unwavering commitment, while praying for enduring peace, love and prosperity in their home.

“Marriage is not just about the glamour of the wedding day, but about friendship, tolerance and standing by one another through every season of life,” she said. “I pray that your home will continually flourish in love, happiness and God’s abundant blessings.”

She also commended both families for fostering unity and cultural harmony through the union, describing the event as a celebration of African excellence and shared values.

The wedding reflected a rich fusion of Nigerian tradition, Burkinabé heritage, Christian values and international sophistication, with Marrakech briefly serving as a meeting point of African culture, influence and elite social networks.

Meghan Markle Says She Was the “Most Trolled Person in the Entire World”

Meghan Markle reflected on the cyber bullying she’s received over the last decade since she and Prince Harry began dating: “I’m still here.”

Meghan Markel knows the pitfalls of social media firsthand.

And when visiting with students from Australia’s Swinburne University of Technology with Prince Harry, the Duchess of of Sussex recounted the struggles she’s experienced on the internet.

“For now, 10 years, every day for 10 years, I have been bullied and attacked,” she told the students, “And I was the most trolled person in the entire world. Now I’m still here.”

Meghan noted how social media companies are not necessarily “incentivized to stop” harassment, something that’s on her mind as she considers the future for younger generations.

“When I think of all of you and what you’re experiencing,” the 44-year-old continued. ‘’I think so much of that is having to realize that you know that industry, that billion-dollar industry, that is completely anchored and predicated on cruelty to get clicks, that’s not going to change. So, you have to be stronger than that.”

This is not the first time Meghan has spoken out against the abuse she’s received online in the years since she and Harry began dating in 2016 an occurrence she said reached its height when she was pregnant with her and Harry’s kids, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet now 6 and 4 respectively.

What Meghan said should be a “tender and sacred” time in her life, she recounted on a SXSW Conference in 2024, instead led to the “bulk of the bullying and abuse” she’d experienced.

US Veteran, Walter Obi Urges Compassionate Leadership at Valentine’s Event in US

A United States Army veteran and entrepreneur, Walter Chinedu Obi, has called on Nigerian leaders to embrace compassion, justice and people-centred governance, saying love for citizens must transcend political rhetoric and reflect in concrete policies that uplift the vulnerable.

Obi, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the annual “Rhythm & Red Wine” Valentine’s Special held at Metro Points Hotel, New Carrollton, Maryland, made the call while speaking with Diaspora Watch Newspaper on the sidelines of the event.

He said the essence of leadership was service, stressing that governance must prioritise the welfare of ordinary citizens, especially the poor and marginalised.

“Our politics must rediscover its humanity. Leadership is a sacred trust. It is not about power for its own sake but about responsibility to the people,” he said.

Obi, a native of Akpu Village in Dunukofia Local Government Area of Anambra State, was born in Asaba, Delta State.

He reflected on his humble beginnings and how growing up in a poor family shaped his understanding of hardship and resilience.

“I understand what it means to struggle. I understand what it feels like to be overlooked. That is why I believe every decision taken by those in authority must consider the widow, the unemployed youth and families striving daily to survive,” he added.

The US war veteran, who served during the 2003 Second Gulf War, noted that discipline, integrity and accountability were non-negotiable values in nation-building.

According to him, Nigeria’s abundant human and natural resources can only translate into prosperity when leaders demonstrate sincerity of purpose and genuine concern for the people.

“Nigeria is not lacking in potential. What we need is consistent, people-focused leadership. Governance must protect the weak, create opportunities for the young and ensure fairness for all,” he said.

Obi, who is the Founder of Arvina Care Group, Inc., a healthcare services organisation in the United States, also spoke about his philanthropic efforts in his hometown, including annual medical missions and educational sponsorship for indigent students.

He, however, maintained that charity should complement, not replace, effective governance.

“Charity begins at home, but it cannot substitute for good policies. Leaders must institutionalise compassion through systems that work for everyone,” he stated.

The event, headlined by gospel artiste Isaac Geralds, featured live music, fine dining and a black-tie gathering of members of the Nigerian diaspora community.

Dignitaries at the event included Dr Jude Onyegbado and Dr Mrs Joy Onyegbado; Chief Chidi Ahaghotu and Dr Mrs Clara Ahaghotu; Chief Barr Ike Nwachukwu and Dr Chioma Nwachukwu; Mr Ike and Adaeze Udoka; Mr Chris Nnado; Mr and Mrs Ken Nwafor; Dr Chioma Obi; and Chizoba Emmanuel, RN.

In his remarks, the Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of Excel Global Media Group Inc., Boniface Ihiasota, described Obi as a disciplined and visionary leader whose life story underscores the power of resilience and service.

“His journey from humble beginnings to becoming a successful entrepreneur and healthcare executive in the United States is inspiring. It shows that with determination and integrity, one can rise above limitations,” Ihiasota said.

He urged members of the diaspora to remain actively engaged in Nigeria’s development.

“We must not disconnect from home. Those of us abroad have seen systems that work. We have a responsibility to contribute positively, whether through investment, advocacy or mentorship,” he added.

The Valentine’s event, organisers said, was designed not only to celebrate love but also to strengthen bonds within the Nigerian-American community.