The Kano State Hisba Board has said its mass wedding programme is open to both Christians and Muslims who meet the required conditions.
Deputy Commander of the board, Sheikh Mujahideen Aminuddeen, disclosed this while explaining the eligibility requirements for participants.
According to him, three Christian couples participated in the last mass wedding held in October 2023.
He said the initiative, popularly known as Auren Gata (marriage for the privileged), is designed for widows, widowers, divorcees, spinsters and bachelors who may be unable to afford marriage expenses.
Aminuddeen said the programme helps strengthen families, reduce immoral behaviour and support vulnerable individuals seeking to marry.
He added that the Kano State Government is focusing on orphans and underprivileged families, with beneficiaries selected through a screening and verification process.
The Deputy Commander also noted that the initiative seeks to address financial barriers to marriage and reduce social challenges linked to delayed marriages.
Stakeholders who spoke on the programme described it as a positive intervention capable of promoting family stability, reducing poverty and encouraging responsible marriages.
An economist, Abdulsalam Kani, said the empowerment component of the programme could help reduce poverty and unemployment if beneficiaries are equipped with relevant skills or trades.
A sociologist, Muhammad Hadi-Musa, described the initiative as a social development strategy that enables low-income individuals to formalise relationships and build stable families.
Meanwhile, the Commander-General of the Hisba Board, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, said the Kano State Government has set aside N1.5 billion for the next mass wedding programme, which is expected to benefit 1,500 couples.
He said all applicants would undergo medical screening, including HIV, hepatitis B and genotype tests, while efforts would be made to ensure compatibility among intending couples.
According to Daurawa, each groom will receive N100,000 for dowry, while each bride will receive N100,000 as business support. Beneficiaries will also be provided with household items, including beds, mattresses, furniture and food supplies.
He disclosed that about 5,000 people applied for the programme, with 3,000 beneficiaries expected to emerge as 1,500 couples.
