Hundreds of couples in Kano State began a new chapter in their lives on Friday as the state government sponsored the mass wedding of 1,500 couples under a N1.5 billion social intervention programme aimed at easing the financial burden of marriage and supporting vulnerable citizens.
At the official solemnisation of the Wedding Fatiha held at the Central Mosque in Kano, the grooms, dressed in elegant white baban riga and red caps adorned with lace infinity symbols, gathered to exchange vows and formally begin married life.
For many of the beneficiaries, the occasion marked the fulfilment of long-held dreams that had been delayed by economic hardship, rising living costs and financial constraints.
Several of the newly married couples told journalists that poverty and inflation had made it nearly impossible for them to meet the financial requirements associated with marriage until the state government stepped in.
One of the beneficiaries, 35-year-old Abubakar Muntari, said worsening economic conditions had repeatedly frustrated his efforts to settle down despite his desire to start a family.
According to him, the increasing cost of living and inadequate income had placed marriage beyond his reach.
He praised the Kano State Government for introducing the Mass Wedding Programme, describing it as a lifeline for many young people facing similar challenges.
“I have always wanted to get married and establish my own family, but the economic realities made it difficult. This intervention has made that dream possible,” he said.
Another beneficiary, 35-year-old Ahmadu Abdulkadir Hussain, a physically challenged groom and 300-level student of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, expressed gratitude to the government for providing him with an opportunity he feared might never come.
Hussain said financial difficulties had prevented him from fulfilling his ambition of marriage despite his educational achievements and determination.
“I have been longing for this opportunity, but I did not get it. Even though I am physically impaired, my several qualifications could not provide me with the resources to marry. I will forever be grateful to Governor Abba Yusuf for this opportunity,” he said.
For 62-year-old Mohammad Dala, the programme offered the chance to fulfil a long-standing personal goal of taking a second wife.
Dala explained that financial limitations had prevented him from doing so for years until the government-sponsored initiative removed the major obstacles.
“I have been longing to take a second wife because of the need, but I did not have the financial capacity to do so. With the Mass Wedding Programme, through which the government is providing almost everything, including support to start a small business, I have been given the opportunity,” he said.
Earlier, the Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, said extensive screening and counselling were conducted before the marriages were approved.
He disclosed that the state government earmarked N1.5 billion for the exercise as part of efforts to support less-privileged citizens and discourage social vices and immoral practices.
According to Daurawa, the board received about 5,000 applications from prospective couples, but only 3,000 individuals — comprising 1,500 brides and 1,500 grooms — met the requirements and were selected.
He explained that the beneficiaries were largely drawn from poor and vulnerable backgrounds and were carefully screened to ensure they were prepared for married life.
The Hisbah chief revealed that each couple received a comprehensive support package, including bedding materials, food items, clothing, N100,000 for dowry and an additional N100,000 empowerment grant for the bride.
He added that approximately N1 million would be spent on each couple under the programme to help them establish stable homes.
Daurawa further noted that intending grooms were required to demonstrate that they had accommodation and a means of livelihood before being allowed to participate.
He also disclosed that the couples underwent premarital medical screening, including genotype, pregnancy, HIV/AIDS and hepatitis B tests, among others, to promote healthy and sustainable marriages.
Speaking at the event, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf described the initiative as a bold social intervention designed to restore hope, strengthen family values and support vulnerable members of society.
He said the programme reflects his administration’s commitment to reducing the economic burden associated with marriage while promoting dignified family life in line with Islamic principles and Kano’s cultural traditions.
In a symbolic gesture during the ceremony, Governor Yusuf represented the first groom and formally sought the bride’s hand in marriage from her guardian, the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who accepted the proposal in accordance with Islamic rites.
Delivering the Friday sermon, the Emir urged the newly married couples to build their homes on the foundations of faith, patience, mutual respect and compassion.
He emphasised that strong and peaceful families remain the bedrock of a stable and prosperous society.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Governor of Kano State, Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, alongside religious leaders, government officials and family members of the beneficiaries.
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