Zaynab Ngohemba, formerly known as Zaynab Otiti Obanor, has opened up on the reasons behind her marriage to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, describing the union as one founded on shared values and a commitment to public service.
The marriage, which took place in 2024, was conducted privately but has continued to attract widespread attention across Nigeria’s social and political landscape.
In a statement released on Wednesday by her media aide, David Adeoye, and published by ThisDay, Zaynab said the decision to marry Akume was driven by maturity, mutual understanding and a common sense of purpose.
According to her, the relationship is not about personal reinvention but the coming together of two individuals already dedicated to service and responsibility.
“The marriage is rooted in maturity, shared purpose and an understanding that personal stability strengthens public duty,” the statement said. “It represents the union of two lives already committed to public service, reinforcing values such as humility, discipline, empathy and responsibility.”
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Adeoye added that the marriage reflects the growing public expectation for integrity and compassion among those in leadership positions, noting that the couple embodies these ideals.
“At a time when Nigerians increasingly demand integrity and humanity from leaders, this union sends a quiet but powerful message that service is strongest when grounded in shared values, stability and a long-term sense of legacy,” the statement noted.
It further described the couple as representing a leadership approach that balances authority with empathy and structure with service, stressing that societies function better when leadership is viewed as a calling rather than a platform.
Zaynab was previously married to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi. The traditional marriage, which began in March 2016, ended in 2017 after about 17 months.