From Umar Danladi Ado, Sokoto
The annual mass wedding programme initiated by the wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris, has once again demonstrated its far-reaching religious, social, political, and economic impact by giving hundreds of less-privileged residents a fresh start in family life.
This year’s edition brought together 300 grooms and 300 brides drawn from the 21 local government areas of the state, with each council producing between 10 and 12 couples.
The initiative is designed to assist indigent adults and divorcees who wish to remarry but are unable to meet the financial demands of marriage.
To ease the burden of starting a new home, each couple received a complete set of household items, including a standard bed and bedding, wardrobe, chairs, and other essential furniture.
Marriage certificates were issued to all the newlyweds, while a N250,000 dowry was paid on behalf of each bride in line with Islamic teachings.
The couples also benefited from cash gifts ranging from N10,000 to N50,000 donated by politicians and other well-wishers who attended the ceremony.
Clothing materials and trade equipment were equally distributed to help beneficiaries establish small businesses and improve their livelihoods.
Overall, it is estimated that each couple received support valued at between N350,000 and N400,000 in cash, in addition to household items and business tools.
The colourful ceremony, held at the Haliru Abdu Multipurpose Stadium in Birnin Kebbi, was presided over by Governor Nasir Idris, who reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining the humanitarian initiative for the benefit of vulnerable residents across the state.
The event attracted members of the National Assembly, the Kebbi State House of Assembly, wives of governors, senior government officials, and renowned Islamic scholars.
Before the solemnization of the marriages, prominent clerics, including Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, Professor Mansur Sokoto, Sheikh Abdulrahman Isah Jega, and Sheikh Abdulrasheed Makarfi, delivered sermons highlighting the importance of marriage in Islam.
They emphasized its role in promoting moral values, peaceful coexistence, family stability, social unity, and good governance.
In her remarks, Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah, donors, and all guests for their support in ensuring the success of the programme.
According to a statement issued by Abdullahi Idris Sadaukin Zuru, Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to the Kebbi State Governor, the event underscored the state’s commitment to improving the welfare of its people through sustainable social intervention programmes.
Among the dignitaries in attendance were the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu; the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id; Chief Mujidat Folashade, daughter of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; and the Emirs of Argungu and Zuru, Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera and Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami Gomo III, respectively.
Beyond providing financial relief to the beneficiaries, the mass wedding programme has continued to strengthen family values, reduce social hardship, stimulate small-scale economic activities, and reinforce the government’s commitment to inclusive welfare and community development.
