By Ralph Agbana
The member representing Yagba Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Leke Abejide, has urged Nigerians not to allow prevailing economic hardship to destabilise their marriages and family life, stressing that enduring homes are built on love, mutual understanding and faith in God.
Abejide, who also chairs the House Committee on Customs and Excise, made the call on Sunday in Abuja during a special thanksgiving service held at Christ Wisdom Gospel Church, Kubwa. The event marked the 50th birthday of his wife, Esther Abejide and the couple’s 20th wedding anniversary.
The lawmaker emphasised that sustaining a successful marriage requires adherence to core values rooted in love and respect, citing biblical injunctions as a guide. He cautioned couples against allowing financial strain to weaken their relationships, urging resilience in the face of economic challenges.
“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 said.
Abejide further argued that despite widespread complaints about economic difficulties, there are still visible indicators of economic activity across the country, including ongoing construction projects, vehicle purchases and international travel.
In her remarks, Mrs 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.
Also speaking at the event, the Senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Services, Sunday Karimi, 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. He dismissed concerns over government borrowing, drawing parallels with global economies such as the United States, and described ongoing reforms as necessary for sustainable growth.
The senator also downplayed opposition coalition efforts, characterising them as lacking fresh ideas and driven by familiar political actors.
The well-attended event drew political associates, family members and well-wishers, and featured the donation of an 18-seater bus to the church.
Delivering his goodwill message during the reception held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu International Conference Centre, Abuja, Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, advised the lawmaker to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) rather than defect to another party.
Gbajabiamila praised Abejide’s growing influence within the ADC, urging him not to abandon the platform he has helped to strengthen.
He encouraged Abejide to “hold on to your party”, while commending his leadership style and political efforts. Gbajabiamila added that he admired Abejide’s work and wanted him to continue building on it.
His remarks came shortly after former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello publicly invited Abejide to join the All Progressives Congress (APC). Bello went further admonishing 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 House of Representatives for Yagba Federal Constituency.
Abejide is a second term serving member of the House of Representatives elected back-to-back in 2019 and 2023 on the platform of the ADC.
At the reception were Gbajabiamila, Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo, former Governor Yahaya Bello, Senator Karimi, member representing Ikeja Federal Constituency James Faleke, and several other sitting members of the Green Chamber, Speaker of Kogi State House of Assembly, Aliyu Umar Yusuf, Deputy National Publicity Secretary, 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, Antar Laniyan, among others.
