824
By Lizzy Chirkpi
The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Matawalle, is set to witness an unusual and eye-catching family milestone as nine of his children five sons and four daughters prepare to get married on the same day in Abuja.
The development came to public attention after a single wedding invitation card listing all nine couples went viral on social media, sparking widespread reactions and discussions across various platforms. The invitation confirms that the multiple wedding ceremony will take place on Thursday, February 6, at the Central Mosque, Abuja, with proceedings scheduled to begin at 1:30 pm.
According to details on the invitation card, all nine children and their respective spouses are named together, a rare arrangement that underscores the scale and uniqueness of the event. The spouses are also said to come from prominent and influential families, adding to the high-profile nature of the occasion.
Sources close to the family say preparations for the weddings are already in the final stages, with logistics being carefully coordinated to accommodate the large number of families, dignitaries, religious leaders and well-wishers expected to attend.
The invitation card, which has circulated widely online, has attracted both admiration and curiosity, with many describing the event as one of the most remarkable family ceremonies ever associated with a serving Nigerian minister. While some social media users expressed amazement at the scale of the celebration, others focused on the cultural and religious significance of conducting multiple marriages in a single solemn ceremony.
Although Matawalle has not issued a formal public statement on the weddings, the invitation itself notes that the minister will personally witness and host the ceremonies, reflecting what observers describe as a deeply personal and symbolic family event.
The weddings will be conducted in line with Islamic rites, consistent with tradition, at the national mosque—one of the most prominent religious venues in the country. Given Matawalle’s position as a former governor and current member of the Federal Executive Council, the ceremonies are expected to attract top government officials, traditional rulers, political associates and religious scholars.
As arrangements continue, the upcoming celebration has already become a talking point nationwide, blending family life, culture and public interest. For many observers, the same-day weddings represent not just a personal milestone for the Matawalle family, but a rare convergence of nine unions under one roof, one date and one ceremony an event likely to remain memorable long after February 6.