Why Kano govt spent N1.5bn on mass wedding – Gov Yusuf

Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has explained that the state government committed over N1.5 billion to the 2026 mass wedding programme to fulfil a campaign promise and provide comprehensive support to 1,500 newly married couples.

The governor said the initiative, popularly known as Auren Gata, was conceived to assist couples not only to get married but also to begin their marital lives with adequate social, economic and household support.

Yusuf stated this on Saturday while speaking at the wedding ceremony organised for the 1,500 couples under the state’s mass wedding programme.

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--> He said the programme was one of the key promises made to residents during his campaign across the 44 local government areas of the state ahead of the 2023 general elections.

--> “Alhamdulillah, to the glory of Allah, today we have continued to fulfil that promise,” he said.

According to him, all prospective couples underwent comprehensive screening before being admitted into the programme, including medical examinations, marriage counselling, workshops and seminars designed to prepare them for the responsibilities of married life.

The governor said the medical screening was particularly important to protect the health of the couples and their future children.

He disclosed that each bride received N100,000 as dowry and another N100,000 as a capital grant to enable her start a small business and become economically self-reliant.

The beneficiaries also received household furniture and essential items, including beds, mattresses and other necessities, as well as food items and other support to ease the financial burden associated with starting a new home.

Yusuf urged the newly married couples to regard marriage as an act of worship and conduct their homes in accordance with the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah.

He advised them to exercise patience, fairness and mutual respect, while resolving disagreements peacefully and maintaining understanding in their homes.

“Always remember that marriage is an act of Ibada. Therefore, strive to conduct your matrimonial life in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of our noble Prophet Muhammad,” he said.

The governor prayed for Allah to bless the marriages with righteous children who would be beneficial to their families, society and humanity.

He also expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, Islamic scholars and other guests who attended the ceremony and contributed to the success of the programme.

Yusuf specifically acknowledged the members of the Kano State Council of Emirs, including the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, as well as the emirs of Rano, Karaye and Gaya, for their guidance, prayers and support.

He equally thanked Islamic scholars and clerics who travelled from different parts of the country to participate in the programme and counsel the couples.

The 2026 mass wedding programme was designed to provide financial, household and social support to selected couples across Kano State, with activities spread across the state’s 44 local government areas.