The Kano State Hisba Board says its government-sponsored mass wedding programme is open to both Muslims and Christians, with 1,500 couples expected to benefit from the upcoming initiative.
The Kano State Hisba Board has announced that the state’s government-sponsored mass wedding programme is open to both Muslims and Christians who meet the eligibility requirements.
Deputy Commander of the Kano Hisba Board, Sheikh Mujahideen Aminuddeen, disclosed this in an interview with reporters while explaining the conditions for participation in the initiative.
According to him, three Christian couples participated in the last mass wedding held in October 2023, although it is yet to be confirmed whether Christian couples will participate in the upcoming edition.
Aminuddeen said the programme, popularly known as “Auren Gata,” meaning “marriage for the privileged,” is designed for widows, widowers, divorcees, bachelors and spinsters seeking to marry.
He said the initiative has played a significant role in strengthening family life, reducing immoral behaviour and supporting vulnerable members of society.
According to the deputy commander, one of the programme’s major objectives is to encourage marriage in line with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), while addressing financial barriers that often delay marriages.
He added that the scheme also helps reduce street hawking by young women seeking funds for marriage expenses and supports orphans and underprivileged families who cannot afford marriage costs.
Aminuddeen explained that all beneficiaries are selected after undergoing screening and verification to ensure they meet the programme’s requirements.
A stakeholder, Sheikh Muhammad Lawan-Yakub, described the initiative as a commendable intervention that promotes stable families, protects young people from immoral behaviour and contributes to social stability.
He expressed confidence that the counselling, screening and post-marriage guidance provided by the Hisba Board would improve the success of the marriages and reduce divorce rates.
A Kano resident, Jamila Suraja, said the programme had positively impacted many vulnerable families but urged beneficiaries to approach marriage with sincerity rather than viewing it as an opportunity to receive government assistance.
Another resident, Hassan Maikadara, said the initiative had provided opportunities for many men and women who desired marriage but lacked the financial means to begin married life.
Economist Dr. Abdulsalam Kani said the programme has the potential to stimulate economic activity if properly implemented through the empowerment of beneficiaries.
According to him, poverty remains one of the leading causes of marital breakdown in northern Nigeria, and supporting newly married couples with sustainable livelihoods could reduce divorce rates.
He stressed, however, that empowerment programmes would only be effective if beneficiaries possess vocational skills or are engaged in productive trades.
Sociologist Dr. Muhammad Hadi-Musa described the initiative as more than a ceremonial exercise, saying it represents an important social development strategy.
He noted that the mass wedding programme has become one of the most visible social intervention initiatives in northern Nigeria, helping to promote affordable weddings while encouraging responsible family values.
Hadi-Musa added that the programme demonstrates how government can contribute to family support policies alongside investments in infrastructure and economic development.
Meanwhile, the Commander-General of the Kano State Hisba Board, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, recently disclosed that the state government has approved ₦1.5 billion for the forthcoming mass wedding programme, which will cater for 1,500 couples.
He said prospective couples are undergoing medical screening, including HIV, hepatitis B, pregnancy and genotype tests, to ensure compatibility and good health.
According to Daurawa, every prospective groom must also demonstrate the ability to provide accommodation and a means of livelihood before being approved for the programme.
The government will provide ₦100,000 to each groom as dowry for the bride and another ₦100,000 to each bride as business empowerment support.
In addition, beneficiaries will receive household items, including beds, mattresses, furniture and food supplies.
Daurawa disclosed that although more than 5,000 people applied for the programme, only 3,000 beneficiaries, representing 1,500 couples, will be selected.
He also stated that couples participating in the scheme are expected to comply with the board’s regulations, including seeking the board’s approval before any divorce proceedings are initiated.
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