No fewer than 1,500 widows and young women have been married under the Kano State Mass Wedding Programme coordinated by the Kano State Hisbah Board.
The mass wedding ceremony was held on Friday at the Emir of Kano’s Palace, with Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf describing the initiative as a major social intervention aimed at restoring hope, strengthening family institutions and promoting moral values across the state.
According to a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa, Yusuf represented the first groom during the marriage solemnisation by formally seeking the bride’s hand in marriage from the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who accepted the proposal in accordance with Islamic injunctions.
The governor said the programme was part of his administration’s efforts to support vulnerable citizens by reducing the financial burden associated with marriage and creating opportunities for dignified family life.
“This programme reflects our administration’s commitment to supporting vulnerable citizens by easing the financial burden associated with marriage and creating opportunities for dignified family life in accordance with Islamic principles and the rich cultural heritage of Kano,” Yusuf said.
As part of the government’s support package, each groom will receive 10 yards of shadda fabric, a cap, a bag of rice and a jerrycan of cooking oil to support the couple as they begin married life.
Each bride will also receive N200,000 for dowry and business support, as well as household items including a bed, mattress, wardrobe, dressing mirror, blankets, bed sheets and centre rugs.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, who delivered the Friday sermon at the ceremony, urged the newly married couples to build their homes on faith, patience, mutual respect and compassion.
He said peaceful families were essential to the stability and prosperity of society, urging the couples to uphold understanding, tolerance and responsibility in their marriages.
The Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Aminu Daurawa, said all beneficiaries underwent screening and counselling before the marriages were conducted.
He explained that the exercise was designed to ensure that all religious and legal requirements were met while preparing the beneficiaries for successful family life.
The Chief Imam of Kano, Prof. Sani Zahraddeen, offered prayers for divine guidance, blessings and lasting peace in the homes of the newly married couples.
Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the state government, describing the programme as a life-changing opportunity that had enabled them to begin a new chapter of their lives with dignity and hope.
