The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Michika Local Government Area, Adamawa State, has unveiled a detailed list of approved items required for marriage ceremonies among Christians in the region.
In a letter dated January 11, 2025, signed by Rev. Daniel T. Tumba and Bro. Paul Zirra, CAN emphasized abolishing the traditional “Rakiya” ceremony in Christian marriages.
Rakiya is a ceremony held after the wedding during which the bride is escorted to her new home with food items and gifts for her in-laws.
“Parents are allowed to help their daughters to begin their marital life according to their strength. This is to avoid issues of distribution of dishes or materials to the relatives,” the letter partly read.
“The groom has to prepare his room or apartment and be ready to take care of his marital life.”
Kayan Tambaya – Proposal Items:
- Soft Drinks: 5 crates and 1 bottle of maltonic.
- Corn Flour: 1 basin (Daro) or 1 large Sermovita.
- Fish: Banda fish worth ₦10,000.
- Soap: 1 pocket of toilet soap and 1 dozen Cameroon soap.
- Salt: 1 bag of leather salt.
- Cooking Oil: 5 liters.
- Onions: 1 basin.
- Maggi Cubes: 5 packs (100 cubes each).
- Pomade/Cream: 1 cream and 1 pomade of any brand.
- Sweet/Chewing Gum: 6 packs each.
- Cola Nuts: 100 pieces.
Dowry and Parental Gifts:
- Traditional Gown: 1 gown and ₦10,000 for sewing.
- Bride Price (Father): ₦50,000.
- Bride Price (Mother): ₦30,000.
- Livestock: 3 large goats.
- Blankets: 2 modern blankets.
- Farm Work Money: ₦15,000.
- Wrappers: 1 Cote d’Ivoire wrapper and 4 others.
- Salt: 3 bags of leather salt.
- Mat: 1 large mat.
