Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Preparations are in advanced stages for an unprecedented mass wedding ceremony in Nigeria’s capital as nine children of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, are set to be married on the same day in a large‑scale family celebration that has captured national attention. The event, slated for February 6, 2026, at the Abuja Central Mosque, reflects both cultural celebration and political prominence, drawing widespread interest across social and traditional circles.
According to widely circulated invitations that have been shared on social media and confirmed by multiple news outlets, the weddings of five sons and four daughters of the former governor of Zamfara State will proceed in a coordinated ceremony beginning at 1:30 p.m. The children listed on the invitation card, which bears the minister’s photograph, include Ibrahim, Suraj, Safiya, Maryam, Aisha, Fahad, Muh’d, Nana Firdausi, and Farida.
The announcement was corroborated by Yusuf Idris, spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, who told journalists that the celebration involves “five sons and four daughters.” Idris, who also serves as a member of the organising committee, confirmed that arrangements were progressing well and that extensive planning had been undertaken to ensure a smooth ceremony in the national capital.
The scale of the event, unprecedented in recent public memory, positions the matrimonial occasion not only as a family milestone but also as a major social gathering expected to attract dignitaries, politicians, traditional leaders and well‑wishers from across the country. Reports suggest the weddings will draw prominent figures from political, business and community circles, underscoring the minister’s influence and network in national life.
Matawalle, who has held the office of Minister of State for Defence since 2023 and previously served as governor of Zamfara State, is widely known for his extensive family and social engagements. He is married to four wives: Aisha, Balkisu, Fatimah and Sadiya — a personal detail that has been highlighted in relation to the upcoming nuptials and the breadth of his family circle.
The invitations circulating online reportedly include specific details about the individual unions that will be solemnised on the day, indicating that each child will be formally married to their respective partners in a series of traditional and religious rites. One version of the invitation suggests that some of the couples may have connections to other notable families, further amplifying public curiosity about the ceremony’s social dynamics.
Social media and news commentary have amplified interest in the event as details continue to emerge. Some reports note that the organisation of the weddings has involved significant coordination, including venue arrangements, logistical planning and engagement with religious authorities in Abuja to ensure the Central Mosque can accommodate the large gathering.
Observers say the timing and scale of the mass wedding may also carry political symbolism, as it falls within a period marked by heightened social activity in the country ahead of the 2027 general elections. High‑profile family occasions such as weddings often serve as platforms for political networking and public engagement, particularly for national figures like Matawalle who straddle both political and traditional spheres.
The decision to hold multiple weddings on a single day is being widely discussed for its logistical boldness and cultural resonance. In many Nigerian communities, large family celebrations and combined matrimonial events are seen as expressions of communal solidarity and shared blessings. However, the scale of nine simultaneous weddings, especially involving the children of a serving federal minister, is unusual and has sparked significant online and media interest.
As the February 6 date approaches, commentators and social commentators alike are expected to watch closely how the celebrations unfold, with some focusing on the personal joy for the family and others reflecting on its broader social and political implications. For now, the event stands out as one of the most talked‑about upcoming social occasions in Nigeria’s capital this year.
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