Kebbi Govt organizes mass wedding for 300 couples

In an effort to assist widowed and divorced women while promoting family stability, the Kebbi State Government organized a mass wedding for 300 couples at the Emir of Gwandu’s Palace on Thursday.

The initiative, carried out in partnership with the Nafisa Nasir Charity Development Foundation (NANAS), aimed to ease the financial burden on vulnerable women and their children.

Governor Nasir Idris, who oversaw the ceremony, disclosed that the state contributed N54 million for dowries—N180,000 per couple. He noted that all participants underwent genotype testing, and the brides were screened to ensure they were not pregnant before the wedding.

The governor commended his wife, Nafisa Nasir-Idris, for spearheading the initiative through her foundation, with state backing. He also announced plans for an even larger mass wedding next year as part of his administration’s social welfare program.

Encouraging the couples to embrace patience and understanding in their marriages, Idris emphasized that enduring challenges together fosters strong relationships.

> “The importance of marriage cannot be over-emphasized, as it promotes peace among couples and attracts God’s blessings and mercy,” he stated.

The Emir of Gwandu, Muhammadu Iliyasu-Bashar, was represented by Magajin Garin Gwandu, Alhaji Aminullahi Umar, who acted as the brides’ guardian, while APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar-Ganduje, stood in for the grooms.

Further supporting the couples, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, donated N50,000 to each couple, amounting to N15 million.

Islamic clerics, including Sheikh Mukhtar Abdullahi, Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Birnin Kebbi, along with Mallam Ahmad S/Fawa and Mallam Muhammadu Yahaya, officiated the marriage rites. Prominent scholars such as Prof. Mansur Isah-Yelwa and Sheikh Abdurrahman Isa-Jega delivered sermons, urging couples to uphold love, loyalty, and mutual respect.

To support their new homes, the state government provided each couple with essential household items, including furniture, bedding, and kitchen utensils. Additionally, Governor’s wife, Nafisa Nasir-Idris, and Rep. Bello Ka’oje each donated N12 million, giving N20,000 to both husband and wife.