Former Military Head of State Gen. Yakubu Gowon and his spouse, Victoria, gathered at St. Matthew’s on Sunday as they celebrated their 55th wedding anniversary with gratitude.
On April 19, 1969, at the Anglican Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina, Lagos, the couple exchanged vows while Gowon was serving as the Head of State of Nigeria.
During the Thanksgiving ceremony, the celebrants were joined by family, friends, and well-wishers in commemorating their wedding anniversary, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
During the service, which coincided with the third Sunday following Easter in the Anglican Church’s liturgical calendar, the pair administered Holy Communion at the altar.
Mrs. Gowon read the Old Testament lesson from 1 Kings 17:17–24 during the service.
In addition to congratulating them on their significant anniversary, Venerable Tiwatope Elias-Fatile, Vicar of St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, praised them for their committed service to the church and the country.
Elias-Fatile prayed for blessings of both bodily and spiritual strength in all areas of their lives, praising them for their model roles as a couple in the Christian community.
“I ask the good Lord to provide you strength—both physical and spiritual—in all facets of your existence.
Elias-Fatile prayed, “I pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to inspire and use you to continue your good work for our country and many homes. In your position, you have become an adviser, mentor, and counsellor to many families.”
