Kano spends N1.5 billion on mass wedding program

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf announced that the state government has allocated N1.5 billion to its mass wedding program, Auren Gata, providing comprehensive support to newly married couples.

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Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf of Kano State says the state government has expended N1.5 billion on mass wedding programme, covering medical screening, dowry, furniture, and other items for the couples.

The initiative, which was a key campaign promise made by the governor ahead of the 2023 general election, aims to improve the welfare and living conditions of the state's residents. The N1.5 billion expenditure covers essential aspects for the 1,500 participating couples, including medical screenings, dowry payments, capital grants, and household furnishings.

During a reception and distribution event at the Kano State Government House, Governor Yusuf detailed the support provided. Each couple received a dowry payment of N100,000 and an additional N100,000 as a capital grant to encourage entrepreneurship and self-reliance. Furthermore, the government supplied essential household items such as beds and mattresses to help the couples establish their new lives comfortably.

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This expenditure covered medical screening for all the brides and grooms to safeguard their health and that of their future children.

Beyond financial and material support, the program included thorough preparation for the couples. All prospective participants underwent medical examinations to ensure their health and that of their future children. They also received marriage counseling from qualified professionals and attended workshops organized by the Kano State Hisbah Board to prepare them for the responsibilities of married life. Food items and other necessities were also provided to ease the initial challenges of married life.

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Similarly, we provided the payment of N100,000 as dowry, in addition to another N100,000 as capital grant to serve as seed capital for starting a business and promoting self-reliance.

Governor Yusuf urged the newlyweds to prioritize peace, harmony, mutual respect, and understanding in their homes, reminding them that marriage is an act of worship to be conducted according to Islamic teachings. The initiative was commended by Umar Dikko-Radda, the Chairman of the Northwest Governors’ Forum and Governor of Katsina State, who described it as a vital program for enhancing the well-being of the people.

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We also provided household furniture and essential items, including beds, mattresses, and other necessities to enable the couples to begin their married lives comfortably.