By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Vice President Kashim Shettima on Saturday urged couples to build lasting marriages on character, forgiveness, patience and humility during the wedding reception of Aishatu Buratai, daughter of former Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), and Umar Zoru. Speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at Tukur & Tukur Farm along the Abuja-Keffi Road in Nasarawa State, Shettima said strong values, not beauty or wealth, sustain marriages and strengthen families, which remain the foundation of national development.
Marriage Requires Character, Not Just Affection
Shettima said affection alone cannot sustain a home because physical beauty and material fortunes often change.
He stressed that character keeps couples together when life presents difficult challenges.
“Affection alone cannot sustain a home. Beauty will change and fortunes may rise and fall. But character is what keeps two people standing beside each other when life tests their convictions,” he said.
According to the Vice President, lasting marriages flourish through forgiveness, patience, friendship and humility.
He added that these virtues help couples choose each other repeatedly, even during life’s toughest moments.
Family Remains the Foundation of Society
Shettima described the family as humanity’s oldest institution and the pillar of every successful nation.
He noted that countries survive because families remain strong, while civilisations prosper through homes that raise responsible men and women.
“Our faith describes marriage as half of religion, and I have always understood why,” he said.
“It is at home that patience, honesty and mercy are tested daily, far from the applause of strangers.”
He urged parents to pass honesty, compassion and patience from one generation to another.
True Family Greatness Lies in Values
The Vice President praised both families for their service, discipline and commitment to society.
He said true greatness does not come from influence or public recognition.
Instead, he explained that lasting family values define a successful home.
“Today we celebrate Aishatu and Umar, and the families that raised them. Both households are known for service, discipline and restraint.
“Yet what makes a family great is not prominence or influence.
“The truest measure of a home is the value it transfers quietly from one generation to the next, a value that no lawyer can draft into a will and no hardship can erase.”
Young People Should Embrace Responsible Marriage
Furthermore, Shettima cautioned society against celebrating visibility above virtue.
He encouraged young people to view marriage as a lifelong commitment rooted in responsibility and enduring values.
He also congratulated the newlyweds and prayed for Allah’s blessings upon their union.
In addition, he commended both families for promoting unity, respect and service to the nation.
Colourful Wedding Reception
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the reception featured prayers, goodwill messages, cultural performances, durbar displays and musical entertainment.
Family members, friends, traditional rulers, senior military officers, top government officials and other distinguished guests attended the ceremony.
