The Kano State Government has earmarked N1.5 billion for its upcoming mass wedding programme aimed at supporting 3,000 beneficiaries across the state.
The Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Ibrahim Daurawa, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on preparations for the initiative.
According to Daurawa, the fund will cover various aspects of the programme, including the provision of furniture, food items, dowries, clothing materials, and financial support for the brides.
“The Kano State Government is to spend N1.5 billion on the entire mass wedding programme which will soon be conducted in the state,” he said.
He explained that each bride selected for the programme would receive a capital grant of N100,000 to assist in starting married life, in addition to other items provided under the scheme.
Daurawa further revealed that the Hisbah Board, in partnership with the Kano State Ministry of Health, has commenced medical screening for prospective couples to determine their health status before the wedding.
According to him, the screening exercise covers tests for hepatitis, HIV, genotype compatibility, pregnancy, and other sexually transmitted diseases.
“The mandatory medical screening is for hepatitis, pregnancy, HIV, genotype as well as other sexually transmitted diseases,” he stated.
The Hisbah chief noted that more than 5,000 people applied to participate in the programme, but only 3,000 beneficiaries will be selected after the screening process is completed.
He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for supporting the initiative, adding that the governor is expected to announce the official date for the mass wedding ceremony.
The programme forms part of the state government’s efforts to support marriage and strengthen family development among eligible residents.