Kano mass wedding programme receives N1.5bn funding to support 3,000 couples with dowries, furniture, clothing and startup capital

The Kano State Government has earmarked N1.5 billion for its forthcoming mass wedding scheme, which is expected to benefit 3,000 couples across the state, according to the Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Ibrahim Daurawa.

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Daurawa disclosed the funding during a media briefing on Monday, saying the allocation would cover a range of expenses associated with the Kano Mass Wedding Programme, including dowries, furniture, food items, clothing materials and financial support for brides.

“The Kano State Government is to spend N1.5bn on the entire mass wedding programme which will soon be conducted in the state,” Daurawa said.

According to the Hisbah chief, each bride selected under the initiative will receive a capital grant of N100,000 to support the start of married life, in addition to other items provided by the government.

He explained that preparations for the programme were already underway, with the board working alongside the Kano State Ministry of Health to conduct mandatory medical screenings for prospective couples.

The screening exercise includes tests for hepatitis, HIV, pregnancy, genotype compatibility and other sexually transmitted infections to ensure the health status of participants is properly assessed before the marriages are solemnised.

Daurawa revealed that more than 5,000 people had applied to participate in the scheme, but only 3,000 beneficiaries would ultimately be selected following the completion of the screening process.

The Commander-General commended Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for initiating the programme, describing it as a significant intervention aimed at supporting intending couples and promoting family stability.

While the selection process is ongoing, Daurawa said the governor would announce the official date for the mass wedding ceremony in due course.

The medical screening exercise reportedly began on May 8, 2026, covering prospective couples from 24 of Kano State’s 44 local government areas.

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The Kano Mass Wedding Programme is one of the largest state-supported marriage initiatives in Nigeria and is designed to ease the financial burden associated with marriage for thousands of eligible residents.