The Kano State Government has announced plans to spend approximately ₦1.5 billion on its upcoming mass wedding programme, with each of the 1,500 selected couples set to benefit from a support package valued at about ₦1 million.
The Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Ibrahim Daurawa, disclosed this while briefing journalists on preparations for the exercise.
According to Daurawa, the initiative, introduced by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, is aimed at assisting people from poor and vulnerable backgrounds to establish stable homes while addressing social challenges linked to delayed marriages.
He explained that the government would provide the couples with various forms of support, including furniture, food items, clothing materials, dowry assistance and empowerment packages.
Daurawa revealed that each bride would receive ₦100,000 as dowry support and an additional ₦100,000 as empowerment capital to help support her livelihood after marriage.
“The government is expected to spend about ₦1 million on each couple under the programme,” he said.
The Hisbah Board boss also disclosed that the state had received approximately 5,000 applications from intending participants. Following a screening process, 3,000 individuals comprising 1,500 brides and 1,500 grooms will eventually be selected for the programme.
He added that the board, in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Health, has already commenced medical screening for prospective beneficiaries to ensure healthy marriages.
According to him, the screening will include genotype compatibility tests, HIV/AIDS screening, hepatitis tests, pregnancy tests and checks for other sexually transmitted infections.
Daurawa further stated that prospective grooms would undergo assessments to confirm they have suitable accommodation and a means of livelihood before being approved to participate in the mass wedding.
He urged beneficiaries to cherish their marriages and seek guidance from the Hisbah Board before taking decisions that could lead to divorce.
The Commander-General noted that Governor Yusuf would announce the official date for the mass wedding after all arrangements have been concluded.
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