Kano State to spend N1.5 billion on mass wedding for 1,500 couples

The Kano State Government has announced that it will allocate N1.5 billion to a mass wedding programme that will see 1,500 couples married across the state as preparations reach an advanced stage.

The announcement was made by Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, Commander‑General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, during a press conference held in Kano on Monday.

Daurawa said the initiative is part of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s commitment to support marriage and strengthen family values in the state.

All prospective couples are currently undergoing mandatory medical screening, which includes tests for HIV, hepatitis, genotype compatibility and pregnancy, among others, to ensure healthy and successful unions.

Each couple will receive a support package worth N1 million, which will be used to purchase essential household items such as beds, mattresses, bed sheets, pillows, cupboards and foodstuffs.

In addition, each bride will receive N100,000 as empowerment capital for a small‑scale business, while each groom will be given N100,000 to assist with the payment of marriage dowry.

“Mass wedding is one of the promises made to the people by His Excellency, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, which he has now fulfilled,” Daurawa said. “He has provided the sum of N1.5 billion for 1,500 beneficiaries, each of whom will benefit from support for furniture, food items and empowerment.”

The Hisbah chief also announced a new guideline for programme beneficiaries, stating that couples will 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 have been completed and that the board is awaiting Governor Yusuf’s official announcement of the ceremony date.

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.