Kano invests N1.5 billion in large-scale matrimonial ceremony

Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State has revealed that the state government has spent N1.5 billion on its mass wedding programme, which encompasses various expenses including medical screening, dowry, furniture, and other essential items for the couples.

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This massive expenditure was disclosed by Governor Yusuf on Saturday during a reception held at the Kano State Government House, where furniture and other items were distributed to the newlywed couples.

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The present administration, according to Governor Yusuf, has committed over N1.5 billion to ensure the programme's success and provide comprehensive support to the newly married couples, covering medical screening for all the brides and grooms to safeguard their health and that of their future children.

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In addition to the medical screening, the government also provided N100,000 as dowry and another N100,000 as capital grant to serve as seed capital for starting a business and promoting self-reliance, as well as household furniture and essential items.

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The government's support also includes beds, mattresses, and other necessities to enable the couples to begin their married lives comfortably, along with food items and other essential commodities to cushion the hardship they may encounter during the early days of their marriage.

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Governor Yusuf urged the new couples to strive to maintain peace, harmony, mutual respect, and understanding in their homes, reminding them that marriage is an act of worship that should be conducted in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Qur'an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

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The mass wedding programme, known as Auren Gata, was a key campaign promise made by Governor Kabir-Yusuf ahead of the 2023 general election, which has now been fulfilled.

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According to Governor Yusuf, the Auren Gata programme was one of the key promises made during his campaign across all 44 local government areas of Kano State ahead of the 2023 general elections, and the government has continued to fulfil that promise.

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Before the wedding ceremony, all prospective couples underwent a comprehensive screening process, including medical examinations, marriage counselling by qualified professionals, and participation in workshops and seminars designed by the Kano State Hisbah Board.

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Governor Yusuf congratulated the new couples as they begin a new chapter in their lives together, urging them to be patient with one another, uphold justice and fairness in their homes, respect one another, and live together in peace, harmony, and mutual understanding.

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The Chairman of the Northwest Governors' Forum and Governor of Katsina State, Umar Dikko-Radda, commended Governor Yusuf for the initiative, describing it as a programme aimed at improving the welfare and living conditions of the people of the state.

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A prominent Islamic Cleric, Sheikh Abdullahi Bala-Lau, represented by Sheikh Kabir Gombe, praised the initiative, saying it is capable of addressing insecurity and incessant protests spearheaded by idle youths.

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Dignitaries present at the event included Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa and former governor of Kano State, Senator Ibrahim Shekarau, among others.