Kebbi State Governor pledges to continue yearly tradition of sponsoring group marriages at no cost

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Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining the state’s annual free mass wedding programme, pledging that the initiative will continue throughout his tenure to support less-privileged families.

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The governor gave the assurance on Monday during the 2026 mass wedding ceremony for 300 couples held at the Haliru Abdu Stadium in Birnin Kebbi.

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Speaking at the event, Idris said the programme had become a key social intervention aimed at easing the financial burden of marriage for vulnerable families across the state.

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“I will continue to put more effort into this initiative to ensure that more less-privileged people benefit from it,” the governor said.

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He commended his wife, Hajiya Nafisa Idris, for spearheading the initiative through her foundation, describing her efforts as a valuable contribution to the welfare of the people.

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Governor Idris also called on residents of Kebbi State to continue supporting President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress, saying the President’s policies had brought notable developmental gains to the state.

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“I am one of the happiest people today because this large turnout shows that the people of Kebbi State support Mr President. We remain committed to the APC,” he said.

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The wife of the governor, Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris, said the mass wedding scheme was initiated by her foundation to assist the needy and reduce the financial burden associated with marriage.

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She assured residents that the programme would be sustained and expressed appreciation to individuals and organisations that contributed to its success.

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She also advised the newly married couples to fear Allah, uphold Islamic values, and build their homes on mutual respect, patience, and understanding.

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Also speaking, daughter of President Tinubu and Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Dr. Mujidat Tinubu-Ojo, described the initiative as a commendable intervention that supports less-privileged members of society.

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She congratulated the couples and urged them to live according to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in their marriages.

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The marriage solemnisation was conducted according to Islamic rites by Sheikh Imam Mukhtar alongside other Islamic scholars.

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As part of the ceremony, Governor Idris paid a dowry of ₦200,000 for each of the 300 brides, after which special prayers were offered for peaceful and successful marriages.

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The governor also presented household furniture and kitchen utensils to the newly married couples to help them begin their family lives.

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Prominent Islamic scholars, including Sheikh Professor Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, Sheikh Abdulrahman Isah Jega, Sheikh Abdulrashid Makarfi, and Sheikh Usman Zagga, delivered sermons on the virtues and importance of marriage in Islam.

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The ceremony attracted several dignitaries from within and outside Kebbi State, including the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id; the wife of the Katsina State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Dikko Umar Radda; the wife of the Jigawa State Governor, Hajiya Amina Umar Namadi; Senator Muhammad Adamu Aliero; as well as the Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Isma’ila Muhammadu Mera, and the Emir of Zuru, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Sami Gomo III.

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