The Kano State Hisbah Board has announced that its upcoming mass wedding programme, known as “Auren Gata” (marriage for the privileged), is open to both Muslim and Christian couples who meet the eligibility criteria.
Deputy Commander of the Hisbah Board, Mujahideen Aminuddeen, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Wednesday. He explained that three Christian couples had participated in the previous edition held in October 2023, though he could not yet confirm if any Christian couples had registered for the forthcoming event.
Preparations are currently underway for the next mass wedding, with a date yet to be announced. According to Aminuddeen, the programme targets widows, widowers, divorcees, spinsters, and bachelors, particularly orphans and individuals from underprivileged families who cannot afford marriage expenses.
“The programme is playing a key role in strengthening families and reducing immorality in the state,” Aminuddeen said. He noted that it aligns with Prophet Muhammad’s (SAW) injunction encouraging marriage and helps curb social issues such as street hawking by young girls and immoral behaviour linked to delayed marriages due to financial constraints.
All prospective beneficiaries undergo thorough screening and verification. Stakeholders have largely welcomed the initiative. Sheikh Muhammad Lawan-Yakub described it as commendable for strengthening families, protecting youths from immorality, and promoting social stability. He expressed confidence in the board’s counselling and post-marriage guidance to reduce divorce rates.
Kano resident Jamila Suraja praised the programme for supporting vulnerable families but cautioned that some past participants allegedly joined primarily for government support rather than genuine commitment to marriage. Another resident, Hassan Maikadara, said it provides opportunities for many who wish to marry but lack financial means, helping them avoid immoral acts.
**Economic and Social Benefits Highlighted**
Economist Dr Abdulsalam Kani noted the programme’s potential to reduce poverty — a major driver of divorce in northern Nigeria — through empowerment of beneficiaries. “We need to understand that empowerment will only succeed if those who are going to be empowered have a particular skill or are engaged in a particular trade,” he said.
Sociologist Dr Muhammad Hadi-Musa described the initiative as a broader social development strategy. “The mass wedding initiative sponsored by the Kano State Government has become one of the most visible social intervention programmes in Northern Nigeria,” he said. He highlighted its role in promoting simpler, more affordable weddings, challenging excessive spending, and fostering public discourse on family values.
**N1.5 Billion Allocated for 1,500 Couples**
Commander-General of the Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, recently revealed that the state government has earmarked N1.5 billion for the programme, which will cater for 1,500 couples. He said preparations are at an advanced stage, with applicants undergoing mandatory medical tests including HIV, hepatitis B, pregnancy, and genotype screenings.
“The government will spend N1 million on each couple,” Daurawa explained. Each groom will receive N100,000 to pay as dowry, while each bride will get N100,000 as empowerment capital to start a business. The government will also provide beds, mattresses, furniture, and food items.
“About 5,000 people applied for the programme. A total of 3,000 beneficiaries, representing 1,500 couples, will benefit from the initiative,” he added.
Daurawa emphasised that couples must demonstrate compatibility, good health, and that grooms have a means of livelihood and suitable accommodation. Notably, participants are required to obtain the board’s consent before initiating divorce proceedings.
The Kano State Government, under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, continues to support the programme as part of its commitment to Sharia implementation and family welfare.
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