ABUJA, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)-The Kano State Government has earmarked N1.5bn for its forthcoming mass wedding programme, which is expected to benefit 1,500 couples across the state.
The Commander-General of the State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Ibrahim Daurawa, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on preparations for the initiative.
“The Kano State Government is to spend N1.5bn on the entire mass wedding programme, which will soon be conducted in the state,” Daurawa said.
He explained that the funds would cover the purchase of furniture, food items, dowries, clothing materials for the couples, as well as a N100,000 start-up grant for each bride, among other components of the scheme.
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Daurawa added that the board, in partnership with the state Ministry of Health, had commenced medical screening for intending couples to determine their health status before the event.
“The mandatory medical screening is for hepatitis, pregnancy, HIV/AIDS, genotype, as well as other sexually transmitted diseases,” the Commander General said.
He revealed that more than 5,000 people applied for the programme, noting that 3,000 individuals would be selected following the completion of the screening process.
Commending Governor Abba Yusuf for introducing the initiative, Daurawa said the governor would announce the official date for the mass wedding.
The medical screening exercise began on Monday, May 8, 2026, covering prospective couples from 24 of the state’s 44 local government areas.