“I am like a new born baby today. Marriage is a sweet thing. I have been in marriage for 54 years with seven kids, but I have never known what it means to kiss and love my wife. This legalization of our union with my wife, Epote Sabina, has brought great joy to my family.” 74 years old Gregogy Mbonde of Muangwekan village, Bangem Sub Division testifies.
“My marriage has been transformed within hours. I have never fed my wife, Njougna Marceline with food in my mouth. Doing it today reminds me of the first day I met her 25 years ago. We have six kids. I am very happy because I now handle my wife like a baby.” 68 years old Ngekoh Adolf of Nyan attests.
These couples were amongst the twenty who renewed their vows and legalized their marriages on May 16, 2024 in Nyan Elung Clan, Bangem Sub Division.
The mass marriage of 20 couples was organized by the Divisional Delegation of Women Empowerment and the Family, MINPROFF Kupe Muanenguba in collaboration with Bangem Council.
This was in line with the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the International Day of the Family in Nyan, Elung Clan, Bangem Sub Division, under the theme, “Resilient Families in the face of Socio-economic, migratory, climate and technological challenges”.
The Mayor of Bangem Council, Ekungwe Kang Christopher congratulated the couples for the decision to legalize their union. He said this is the beginning of a new era in families within Bangem Sub Division with the establishment of love and peace in all homes.
“Recently, we were at Elum II, Nninong Clan to legalize the marriages of ten couples. Today we are in Nyan, Elung Clan to legally unite twenty couples. We shall continue to Nhia and other clans in the days ahead”. He assured.
While presenting the couples to the public, the Sub Delegate of MINPROFF, Bangem, Epumangando Synthia Epede’Bih said the legalization was achieved after tedious sessions of door to door sensitization in all the villages of Elung Clan.
She said they have offered pre and post marital counseling to the couples to ensure they live in harmony after legalizing their unions.
In his keynote address, the Divisional Officer, DO of Bangem, Dairou Saly disclosed that he was elated to preside over the mass marriage ceremony after that of Elum II. “I am happy you heed to the clarion call to legalize your marriages. Together, we shall eliminate cohabitation in the Sub Division”. He revealed.
Also present at the ceremony was the Divisional Delegate, MINPROFF, Kupe Muanenguba, Mbone Cecilia Ngwene, the Presbyterial Secretary of Bakossi North Presbytery, Rev. Eyakwe Joseph Tata Nangunda, amongst others.
By Olive Ejang
