The Kano State Government has earmarked N1.5 billion for the conduct of a mass wedding programme involving 1,500 couples across the state, as preparations for the event reach an advanced stage.
The Independent Mirror reports that the mass wedding programme is one of the flagship social intervention initiatives of the Kano State Government aimed at supporting low-income families and promoting stable marriages in the state.
The Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, disclosed this on Monday during a special press conference in Kano.
According to him, the initiative is part of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to supporting marriage and strengthening family values in the state.
Daurawa said all prospective couples are currently undergoing mandatory medical screening, including tests for HIV, hepatitis, genotype compatibility and pregnancy, among others, to ensure healthy and successful unions.
He explained that each couple would benefit from a support package valued at N1 million, which would be used to provide essential household items such as beds, mattresses, bed sheets, pillows, cupboards and foodstuffs.
In addition, he said each bride would receive N100,000 as empowerment capital for a small-scale business, while each groom would be given N100,000 to assist with the payment of the marriage dowry.
“Mass wedding is one of the promises made to the people by His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, and he has now fulfilled it,” Daurawa said.
“He has provided the sum of N1.5 billion for 1,500 beneficiaries, each of whom will receive support for furniture, food items and empowerment.”
The Hisbah chief also announced a new guideline for beneficiaries of the programme, stating that couples would not be allowed to initiate divorce proceedings without first involving the Hisbah Board.
He stressed the importance of genotype screening before marriage, warning that incompatibility could result in children being born with sickle cell disorder.
Daurawa noted that all necessary arrangements for the mass wedding had been concluded and that the board was awaiting Governor Yusuf’s official announcement of the ceremony date.
