By Abdullahi Idris Sadaukin Zuru
The annual mass wedding programme initiated by the wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris, has once again delivered wide-ranging benefits.
This year’s edition brought together 300 men and 300 women selected from the 21 Local Government Areas of the state, with each LGA producing between 10 and 12 couples.
The programme targets less privileged adults and divorcees who are interested in marriage but can not afford the associated expenses.
Each couple of this year’s programme was given a complete set of household furniture, standard bed and bedding, cupboard, and chairs.
Marriage certificates were given to each N250,000 dowry paid to each wife in line with Islamic injunctions.
Additional cash donations of N10,000 to N50,000 per couple from individual politicians that stormed the venue and used the opportunity to rejoice with the couple and clothes and trade equipment to support small-scale businesses were also graciously distributed.
It is estimated that each couple received a minimum of N350,000 to N400,000 in cash, in addition to materials and facilities.
The ceremony
Held at the Haliru Abdu Multipurpose Stadium,Birnin Kebbi was chaired by Comrade Governor Nasir Idris.
He assured that the supportive and humanitarian services have come to stay for the benefits of the targeted beneficiaries.
The massively attended ceremony was honoured many important dignitaries including the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Atiku Abubakar Bagudu, the Minister of state for education Professor Suwaiba Sa’id, Chief Mujidat Folashade, the daughter of President Tinubu, the Emirs of Argungu and Zuru Alhaji Samaila Muhammad Mera and Alhaji Muhammad Sanusi Mika’ilu Sami Gomo lll respectively.
Others are members of the National and State Assemblies, wives of state Governors governors, and prominent Islamic scholars.
Before the solemnization, scholars including Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, Professor Mansur Sokoto, Sheikh Abdulrahman Isah Jega, and Sheikh Abdulrasheed Makarfi spoke on the significance of marriage, its values, and its role in promoting peaceful coexistence, unity, and good governance in a democratic setting.
In her remarks, Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris expressed gratitude to Allah, donors, and all guests for making the event a huge success.
Zuru is Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy to Kebbi State Governor.
