Each Kano Mass Wedding Couple To Benefit From N1m Support Package

The Kano State Government has earmarked about N1.5bn for its planned mass wedding programme, with each of the 1,500 selected couples expected to benefit from a support package worth about N1m.

The Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Ibrahim Daurawa, disclosed this on recently while briefing journalists on preparations for the exercise.

Daurawa said the programme, initiated by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s administration, was designed to assist people from poor and vulnerable backgrounds to establish their homes and reduce social challenges associated with delayed marriages.

According to him, the government would provide the couples with essential household items, including furniture, foodstuff, clothing materials, dowry support and empowerment assistance.

He explained that each bride would receive N100,000 as dowry support and another N100,000 as capital to support her livelihood after marriage.

“Government is expected to spend about N1m on each couple under the programme,” he said.

The Hisbah boss revealed that about 5,000 applications had been received from intending couples, adding that 3,000 individuals comprising 1,500 brides and grooms would be selected after a screening process.

He said the board, in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Health, had commenced medical screening of prospective beneficiaries to ensure healthy marriages.

The screening, he noted, would cover genotype compatibility, HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, pregnancy tests and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Daurawa added that prospective grooms would also be assessed to confirm they have accommodation and a means of livelihood before participating in the programme.

He urged beneficiaries to value their marriages and seek guidance from the Hisbah Board before taking decisions that could lead to divorce.