The Kano State Government has announced plans to sponsor a large-scale mass wedding programme involving 3,000 couples, with a total budget allocation of N1.5 billion.
The announcement was made by the Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Ibrahim Daurawa, during a media briefing on Monday. According to him, the initiative forms part of the government's commitment to supporting families, promoting social welfare, and reducing financial barriers to marriage.
Daurawa disclosed that the allocated funds will cover key wedding expenses, including furniture, food items, dowry payments, clothing for the couples, and startup support for brides.
One of the major highlights of the programme is the provision of N100,000 startup capital for each bride. The financial support is expected to help beneficiaries establish small businesses, support household needs, or pursue income-generating activities after marriage.
The Hisbah Board, working in collaboration with the Kano State Ministry of Health, has already commenced medical screening for applicants. The screening includes tests for HIV, hepatitis, genotype compatibility, and other health conditions to ensure the well-being of participating couples.
According to officials, more than 5,000 individuals submitted applications for the programme. Following the screening process, 3,000 eligible couples will be selected to participate in the wedding ceremony.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf is expected to announce the official date for the event after the completion of the selection process.
The programme is taking place in Kano State, Nigeria, with preparations currently underway in June 2026.
The initiative involves the Kano State Government, the Kano State Hisbah Board, the Kano State Ministry of Health, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, prospective couples, community leaders, and healthcare professionals responsible for conducting medical screenings.
Marriage remains an important social institution in many communities, and rising economic pressures have made it increasingly difficult for some individuals to afford wedding expenses.
The mass wedding programme seeks to remove financial barriers while encouraging stable family formation and community development. By providing practical support and startup funding, the initiative also aims to improve the economic prospects of newly married couples.
The programme reflects ongoing efforts by state governments to strengthen social welfare systems and support vulnerable groups through targeted interventions.
"The government has set aside N1.5 billion for the programme, which will cover furniture, food, dowry, clothing, and startup capital of N100,000 for each bride," said Sheikh Ibrahim Daurawa, Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board.
Mass wedding programmes have been implemented in Kano State on several occasions as part of social support initiatives designed to assist low-income individuals and strengthen family structures.
Officials noted that health screenings are an important component of the programme, helping participants make informed decisions and promoting healthy family life.
The inclusion of startup grants for brides distinguishes this year's programme by providing an additional layer of economic empowerment beyond wedding support.
Community leaders have also welcomed the initiative, noting its potential to reduce financial stress on families while encouraging responsible marriage practices.
The programme offers several benefits:
• Financial support for 3,000 couples
• N100,000 startup capital for each bride
• Reduced financial burden associated with marriage
• Health screening and awareness for participants
• Economic empowerment opportunities for women
• Promotion of family stability and social welfare
• Support for community development and social inclusion
The initiative is expected to improve the lives of thousands of beneficiaries while strengthening family and community structures across Kano State.
Interested applicants should:
• Complete required medical screenings
• Follow updates from the Kano State Hisbah Board
• Await the final selection process
• Monitor official announcements regarding the wedding date
• Contact relevant government offices for further information.
The Kano State mass wedding programme is expected to provide hope, support, and new beginnings for thousands of couples while promoting stronger families and more inclusive community development.