Contest: My Activities During the Last Festivities

The festive season was great, amazing and fantabulous. 2025 ended with so much joy, happiness and back to back celebrations. I was so happy to see my two sisters walk down the isle with their absolute love. When the month of December 2025 came, I was so excited and hopeful to what awaits me, although I had started preparations a long time.

The first event on my list was Shiloh, an annual event that brings God's children together all over the world. It was so sweet and impactful that I never wanted it to end. But it started and ended in praise.

When I returned from Shiloh, I started making preparations to travel down to the eastern part of Nigeria for all other events I had. The first on my list was a burial of a father who died in the month of August 2025. This man made my family friends and we all lived in the same neighbourhood until we moved out.

	Guest seated

His burial was not an event I could miss, so I made an effort to attend not minding the distance. My brother and I went earlier while my mom came later. It was a very successful ceremony, with all activities well cultured. The burial ceremony took place in Abia state, Nigeria.

The next event on my list was NAASS end of the year party. NAASS is an acronym for National Association of Abia State Students (UNIZIK chapter). Every year we have a get together that brings us all together and united, but this year was postponed because every member was busy and involved in one event or the other. It would have been fun but hopefully this year, the event will take place.

Third on my list was the marriage introduction of my very own sister and friend. I was fully involved from the step one till the final step. We went to the market together, planned together, and I was so happy on this day. The cooking and other preparations went on while we waited for the arrival of the in-laws.

	The bride checking out herself

	During the intro

When they arrived, the event begun with lots of talks, greetings, and introductions from some elders. At the end, some young ladies of the family were brought out to show themselves for the man to identify his wife to be. It was a fun moment and at the end, item 7 was served as everyone left. The event took place in Imo State.

The next on my list was the first wedding ceremony in Imo State, Nigeria. My baby girl made the hotest bride in town. You needed to see her glow, her gown, all stunning. We woke up so early in the morning to start preparations, thank goodness we were able to finish up before church time.

	The elegant bride

	Bride and her chief

	Bride and groom

The church service was so short and we all took some pictures and drove down to the village for the trad. The trad was another stunning event on its own. Seriously, she made a beautiful bride with all the elegance and the stizz. A lot of activities were showcased as everyone feasted. I was so busy during this time because I was her right hand lady. At the end, I give glory to God for a successful wedding.

The last on my list was the second wedding and trad that took place in Anambra state, Nigeria. The bride happen to be my sister and friend. This friendship started way back in the university days and until now, we still rock. The wedding was one of its kind.

	Bride and her chief

First was the church wedding which we went so late but it made the service last longer than usual. After the church service was the trad, which began immediately at her home town. It waz all rossy and beautiful, the moment she came out to greet the people, was beautiful with her outfit.

The moment we all danced was glorious and colorful. Ah, my sis is a good dancer, she rocked it with different steps as her joy knows no bound.

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In those events/activities you attended, what were your observations generally?

First, I observed how different cultures played out. From the various villages I went to, I observed how they handled bride price and give out their daughters in marriage. Although we are all the same tribe, but different traditions governs us.

Secondly, I observed their mode of dressing, I mean the bride, and other related activities that were been displayed.

There were still other traditional activities I observed at the end and I began to match it with my own traditions.

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Was there any lesson or experience? It could be positive or negative. State them.

Its my first time of playing the role of a chief brides maid for anyone, and this came double at a go. When the news came, I wondered how I could do them, but at the end, it was a beautiful experience. I was so happy to be part of their lives and wedding.

The job of a chief told on me when I didn't sleep for two nights, I began to realize that my job has truly begun.

During weddings, there is always pressure from all angles circulating like smoke, even when you feel you placed everything right. I hope mine feels less pressure.

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I invite @eliany @mariami @pandora2010