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Deborah has new name

SEALED: Deborah Fraser kisses her new hubby Socky Okeke. Pic. Mohau Mofokeng. 18/02/08. © Sowetan.
SEALED: Deborah Fraser kisses her new hubby Socky Okeke. Pic. Mohau Mofokeng. 18/02/08. © Sowetan.

Gugu Sibiya

Gugu Sibiya

Onyinyechi is Deborah Fraser's brand new name!

The christening happened at husband Pastor Socky Okeke's celebratory church service in front of an approving congregation. Members of the Mercy Chapel who bore witness to this moving romantic gesture were enjoying a belated Valentine's Day in Yeoville, Johannesburg, on Sunday.

A relaxed Okeke conceded that naming a bride in the Ibo culture is up to the man.

"Deborah needs to be given a Nigerian name. When my mother meets Deborah, she will also give her a name. The women in the area are also going to give her a name."

Okeke said because the gospel star was named in the house of God, there was no need for any ritual or traditional ceremony.

"God sanctioned her so we don't need to do any ceremony when she goes to Nigeria.

"Deborah is a chosen, anointed woman who delivers people through song while I deliver them through God. Ours is an interwoven gift that should be looked at spiritually," he said.

Commenting on her new name, a dimpling smiling Fraser said: "It's beautiful and I love it.

"When somebody calls you a gift from God, it shows they value you," a charmed Fraser said, adding that the gesture had caught her by surprise.

After the service, the congregation adjourned to Giloolly's Park in Bedfordview where the celebration began in earnest.

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