Vice President Kashim Shettima has emphasised that the strength of any successful marriage lies in character, patience, humility and forgiveness rather than wealth, beauty or social status, urging couples to build their homes on enduring values capable of withstanding life’s challenges.
Shettima made the remarks on Saturday while speaking as the Special Guest of Honour at the wedding reception of Aishatu Buratai, daughter of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (retd.), and her husband, Umar Zoru.
The reception was held at Tukur & Tukur Farm along the Abuja-Keffi Road in Nasarawa State and attracted family members, government officials, military officers, traditional rulers, friends and well-wishers from across the country.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President urged the newly married couple to make forgiveness, patience and good character the pillars of their union, stressing that marriage requires commitment, sacrifice and responsibility from both partners.
According to him, marriage occupies a special place in Islam because it provides an avenue through which individuals learn some of life’s most important virtues, including honesty, compassion and selflessness.
“Our faith describes marriage as half of religion, and I have always understood why,” Shettima said.
He explained that the home is where values such as patience, honesty and mercy are truly tested on a daily basis, away from public attention and recognition.
Families Are the Foundation of Society
The Vice President described the family as humanity’s oldest and most enduring institution, noting that strong families remain the foundation upon which peaceful communities and prosperous nations are built.
He said societies continue to thrive because families preserve values that are passed from one generation to another, adding that responsible citizens are first shaped within their homes.
According to Shettima, the real measure of a successful family is not its influence, wealth or public recognition but the principles it instils in its children.
Congratulating the families of the bride and groom, he commended them for raising children known for discipline, service and humility.
He noted that while prominence may earn respect, the greatest legacy any family can leave behind is a strong moral foundation that continues to guide future generations.
“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,” he said.
Marriage Requires More Than Love
Shettima also advised young Nigerians not to view marriage as merely a celebration or romantic relationship but as a lifelong commitment built on responsibility and shared values.
He explained that genuine love requires loyalty, sacrifice and the willingness to support one another through both joyful and difficult moments.
According to him, marriage teaches couples restraint during times of abundance, faithfulness in the face of temptation and responsibility in every stage of life.
The Vice President stressed that couples who cultivate friendship, humility and mutual understanding are more likely to overcome challenges together.
He warned that physical beauty and financial success are temporary and cannot guarantee a stable home if the foundation of the relationship lacks good character.
“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 stated.
Call to Preserve Enduring Values
Shettima further encouraged parents and guardians to intentionally pass down values such as honesty, compassion, discipline and integrity to younger generations, saying these qualities are essential for building stronger families and a more stable nation.
He cautioned against a growing culture that places greater emphasis on popularity and public visibility than on personal integrity, urging young people to embrace virtues that will positively shape their future marriages and communities.
The Vice President congratulated Aishatu Buratai and Umar Zoru on their marriage and prayed for Allah’s guidance, peace and blessings upon their union.
He also commended both families for their longstanding commitment to national service, unity and responsible leadership.
The colourful reception featured Islamic prayers, goodwill messages from guests, traditional cultural performances, a durbar procession and musical entertainment, with dignitaries from across the country joining the couple in celebrating the occasion.
