Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Kano State Hisbah Board has clarified that its upcoming mass wedding programme, popularly known as “Auren Gata” (marriage for the privileged), is open to both Muslim and Christian couples, dispelling notions that the state-sponsored initiative is exclusively for adherents of Islam. The Deputy Commander of the Hisbah Board, Sheikh Mujahideen Aminuddeen, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Tuesday, July 1, 2026, while outlining the conditions for participation in the scheme, which is one of the flagship social intervention programmes of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's administration.
According to Sheikh Aminuddeen, the mass wedding programme, which has been designed to strengthen families, reduce immorality, and support vulnerable and underprivileged residents, is open to all intending couples, including widows, widowers, divorcees, spinsters, and bachelors, regardless of their religious affiliation. He noted that three Christian couples had participated in the previous edition of the programme, which was conducted in October 2023, underscoring the board’s commitment to inclusivity. While he could not yet ascertain the number of Christian couples that would participate in the upcoming edition, he confirmed that arrangements were ongoing, and the programme remained open to all eligible applicants.
The mass wedding initiative, which Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has described as a fulfilment of a key campaign promise, has been allocated a budget of N1.5 billion to cater for 1,500 couples across the state. The Commander-General of the Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, had earlier disclosed that each couple would receive a comprehensive support package valued at N1 million. This includes N100,000 for the groom to pay the dowry, N100,000 for the bride as business empowerment capital, and the remainder for essential household items such as beds, mattresses, furniture, and food supplies. The government has also placed a supervisory role on the Hisbah Board to prevent divorce without the board's consent, ensuring that the marriages are sustainable.
The Deputy Commander explained that the initiative aligns with the prophetic injunction encouraging marriage and family life, and it also serves to curb social vices such as street hawking by young girls seeking money for marriage expenses, as well as immoral behaviour linked to delayed marriages caused by financial hardship. Governor Yusuf's administration is particularly targeting orphans and underprivileged families that cannot afford to marry off their daughters, with all beneficiaries selected after a rigorous screening and verification process. The screening exercise, which commenced on Monday, May 8, 2026, covers medical tests for HIV, hepatitis B, pregnancy, and genotype compatibility, to ensure the health and suitability of intending couples. The board has also verified that grooms are gainfully employed and have accommodation for their brides.
The programme has drawn commendations from stakeholders, including Sheikh Muhammad Lawan-Yakub, who described it as commendable, noting that it would strengthen families, protect young people from immoral behaviour, and contribute to social stability. He expressed confidence that the counselling, screening, and post-marriage guidance provided by the board would enhance the success of the marriages and reduce divorce rates. However, some residents have raised concerns, with Jamila Suraja noting that some participants in previous batches allegedly entered the marriages primarily to access government support rather than build lasting unions. In response, the Hisbah Board has emphasised its commitment to providing post-marriage counselling and monitoring to ensure the long-term success of the unions.
Economists have also weighed in on the programme, with Dr Abdulsalam Kani noting that the initiative has the potential to boost economic activity in the state if properly implemented, as the empowerment of beneficiaries would translate into poverty reduction—a major root cause of rampant divorce in northern Nigeria. He stressed that empowerment would only succeed if beneficiaries possess a particular skill or are engaged in a trade. Sociologist Dr Muhammad Hadi-Musa described the mass wedding as one of the most visible social intervention programmes in northern Nigeria, framing it as a public policy response to social realities rather than a mere ceremonial gesture. He added that the scheme has helped to promote simpler, more affordable weddings and has pushed back against excessive ceremonial spending that often delays marriage. As preparations advance, the Hisbah Board has confirmed that over 5,000 individuals applied for the programme, out of which 3,000 beneficiaries, forming 1,500 couples, will be selected.
📩 Stone Reporters News | 🌍 stonereportersnews.com
✉️ info@stonereportersnews.com | 📘 Facebook: Stone Reporters News | 🐦 X (Twitter): @StoneReportNew | 📸 Instagram: @stonereportersnews
Add comment
Comments