The Kano State Government has approved N1.5 billion for the conduct of its upcoming mass wedding programme, which is expected to benefit 3,000 couples across the state.
The disclosure was made by the Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Ibrahim Daurawa, who said preparations for the exercise are already in progress.
According to Daurawa, the funds will cover several aspects of the programme, including the purchase of furniture, food items, dowries, clothing materials and other welfare packages for the couples. He also revealed that each bride selected for the programme will receive N100,000 as start-up support.
To ensure the health and wellbeing of participants, the Hisbah Board, in partnership with the State Ministry of Health, has commenced mandatory medical screening for all prospective couples.
The screening includes tests for HIV, hepatitis, genotype, pregnancy and other sexually transmitted diseases, with only successful applicants expected to proceed to the final stage of the programme.
Daurawa disclosed that more than 5,000 people applied for the scheme, but only 3,000 couples will be selected after the completion of the screening process.
He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for supporting the initiative, noting that the governor will announce the official date for the mass wedding ceremony in due course.
The programme forms part of the state’s efforts to support marriage, strengthen family values and provide financial relief to intending couples.
