Kano Mass Wedding Open to Muslims, Christians as State Targets 1,500 Couples
Kano Mass Wedding Open to Muslims, Christians as State Targets 1,500 Couples
Kano Mass Wedding Open to Muslims, Christians as State Targets 1,500 Couples
The Kano State Hisbah Board has said its mass wedding programme is open to both Muslims and Christians, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.
The Deputy Commander of the board, Sheikh Mujahideen Aminuddeen, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano, explaining that the initiative is designed to support eligible couples regardless of their religious affiliation.
According to him, three Christian couples participated in the last mass wedding held in October 2023. He said preparations were underway for the next edition, although it was yet to be confirmed whether any Christian couples had registered for the upcoming exercise.
Aminuddeen said the programme, popularly known as “Auren Gata” (marriage for the privileged), is open to widows, widowers, divorcees, spinsters and bachelors.
He noted that the initiative has contributed significantly to strengthening family values and reducing social vices in the state by supporting individuals who cannot afford marriage expenses.
According to him, the programme also helps reduce street hawking among young women seeking funds for marriage and addresses delays in marriage caused by financial hardship.
He added that the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is giving priority to orphans and underprivileged families, with all beneficiaries undergoing proper screening and verification before selection.
A stakeholder, Sheikh Muhammad Lawan-Yakub, described the programme as a commendable intervention that would strengthen families, promote responsible marriage and contribute to social stability.
He expressed confidence that the counselling, medical screening and post-marriage guidance provided by the Hisbah Board would help reduce divorce rates and ensure successful marriages.
Another stakeholder, Hadi-Musa, said the initiative reflects government’s response to social realities by helping low-income couples formalise relationships that might otherwise be delayed due to financial constraints.
He noted that the programme has encouraged simpler and more affordable weddings while promoting responsible family values across the state.
Meanwhile, the Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, said the state government has earmarked ₦1.5 billion for the forthcoming mass wedding programme, which will benefit 1,500 couples.
Daurawa said over 5,000 people applied for the programme, but only 3,000 beneficiaries, representing 1,500 couples, would be selected.
He explained that all prospective couples are undergoing medical screening, including HIV, hepatitis B, genotype and pregnancy tests, while the board will also verify that every groom has a means of livelihood and suitable accommodation before approval.
According to him, each groom will receive ₦100,000 as dowry for his bride, while each bride will receive ₦100,000 as business empowerment support.
He added that the government will also provide each couple with beds, mattresses, furniture and food items, with an estimated expenditure of ₦1 million per couple, bringing the total cost of the programme to ₦1.5 billion.
Daurawa further stated that couples participating in the scheme would continue to receive guidance from the board, adding that any divorce arising from the marriages would be subject to the board’s intervention and counselling.
Kano Mass Wedding Open to Muslims, Christians as State Targets 1,500 Couples
