Emir of Zazzau urges Nigerians to curb lavish wedding spending for charity

The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli, has issued a strong call for Nigerian families to reconsider their lavish spending on weddings, specifically targeting the culture of ostentatious consumption of "aso-ebi" fabrics and elaborate bridal makeup.

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You will see our people spending millions of Naira for just cosmetics if a girl is getting married, and because we have some crazy parents that spend up to $10,000 for this makeup they do. Or to buy asoebi for half a million Naira, N200,000 or N300,000, which is totally unacceptable as far as I am concerned.

Speaking at the 20th anniversary of the Crystal Muslim Organisation (CMO) in Abuja, the Emir expressed concern over the millions of Naira spent on cosmetics and expensive fabrics for wedding guests. He stated, "You will see our people spending millions of Naira for just cosmetics if a girl is getting married... Or to buy asoebi for half a million Naira... which is totally unacceptable." He urged families to redirect these substantial funds towards assisting the less privileged, highlighting the plight of those struggling to afford basic necessities.

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There are so many people on the streets who cannot even feed themselves three square meals a day. So, this is rampant in our society.

Bamalli emphasized that such extravagant spending is unnecessary, especially given Nigeria's current economic climate. He advocated for advising children to invest in skills that promote self-reliance and strengthen community bonds. "They spend lavishly on highly unnecessary parties," he noted. "If you are living at the highest level and yet all the people around you cannot even feed three square meals, I believe there is a problem."

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If you are living at the highest level and yet all the people around you cannot even feed three square meals, I believe there is a problem, and that is what is exposing us to dangers in our society.

Drawing inspiration from Thai citizens, the Emir suggested adopting more modest wedding celebrations. He observed that this practice allows individuals to build wealth and comfortably support their families. The Emir also stressed the importance of skill acquisition for women, enabling them to generate income from home and contribute to family finances, even if they choose not to pursue public office after graduation.

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After you have graduated from the university, you have to learn some new skills so that when you return home or get married, you can.