The ancient city of Katsina came alive on Saturday as prominent political figures, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, state governors, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, converged to celebrate the wedding of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda’s daughter.
The high-profile wedding ceremony, which held at the Government House Mosque in Katsina, attracted a blend of political heavyweights, traditional rulers, top business moguls, and residents who thronged the venue to witness the union.
President Tinubu, who was the special guest of honour, arrived Katsina amidst tight security and was warmly received by Governor Radda and other state officials. His presence, seen by many as a sign of goodwill and political alliance, added grandeur to the ceremony.
The bride, Aisha Dikko Radda, daughter of the Katsina State Governor, tied the knot with her groom, Usman Mohammed, in an elaborate ceremony that combined Islamic traditions with modern elegance. The event was officiated by respected Islamic clerics who offered prayers and blessings for the young couple’s union.
Among the governors in attendance were Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani; Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf; Jigawa State Governor, Umar Namadi; and Niger State Governor, Umar Bago. Former governors, ministers, senators, and members of the National Assembly also graced the occasion.
The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, led a delegation of federal lawmakers to the event. In his remarks, Abbas congratulated Governor Radda and prayed for a blissful and prosperous married life for the new couple. He also commended the governor for his continued efforts toward improving governance and fostering peace in Katsina State.
The wedding festivities began on Friday with the traditional kamun amarya ceremony, where members of both families gathered for an exchange of gifts and goodwill. This was followed by a dinner reception at the Katsina Banquet Hall, where guests were treated to local and continental cuisines, music performances, and cultural displays.
On Saturday, the main wedding ceremony drew crowds beyond capacity, with the Government House Mosque and its surrounding areas overflowing with guests. Security agencies, including the police, DSS, and civil defence corps, maintained tight surveillance and crowd control measures to ensure safety and orderliness.
President Tinubu, in his short address, expressed joy at being part of the celebration and prayed for Allah’s guidance for the couple. He applauded the governor for his hospitality and warm reception and used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of family values and unity among Nigerians.
Governor Radda, visibly elated, thanked the President and all dignitaries for honouring his family. He described the moment as one of pride and gratitude and expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the support shown by political allies, friends, and well-wishers.
“This is a very personal and joyful moment for me and my family. We are grateful to Almighty Allah for making this day a reality. I also thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and other distinguished guests who took time from their busy schedules to be with us today,” Radda said.
The bride, Aisha, a graduate of political science, is known for her modesty and intelligence, while her groom, Usman Mohammed, a banker and entrepreneur, is described as humble and industrious. The couple’s union has been praised as a blend of tradition, faith, and modern ambition.
Traditional rulers, including the Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, and the Emir of Daura, Alhaji Faruk Umar Faruk, were also in attendance. Both emirs blessed the couple and commended the peaceful atmosphere that prevailed during the ceremony.
Political watchers described the wedding as not just a family affair but a gathering of national significance. It served as a platform for behind-the-scenes political discussions, alliances, and consultations among key players in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and beyond.
Beyond politics, the wedding had an economic impact on Katsina, with hotels fully booked, transport operators busy, and local vendors enjoying brisk business. Tailors, event decorators, caterers, and musicians also recorded a boom in patronage during the celebrations.
As the festivities wind down, attention now returns to governance and national issues. However, the memories of this colourful wedding will linger, not just for the Radda and Mohammed families but for the people of Katsina, who played host to one of the most glamorous events in recent times.
The event stands as a testimony to the social and cultural fabric that binds Nigerian leaders and citizens — a moment where tradition met with leadership, and celebration became a shared national experience.