Kebbi State was filled with excitement and celebration recently as Governor Nasir Idris presided over a historic mass wedding ceremony for 300 couples. The state government generously covered the bride price, spending a total of N54 million—N180,000 for each couple—to ensure the event was a success.
In preparation for the ceremony, all prospective couples underwent genotype testing, while the brides were screened to confirm they were not pregnant, in line with Islamic marital requirements. The event was a blend of tradition, faith, and government-backed social welfare, showcasing the state’s commitment to supporting its citizens.
The Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, represented by the Magajin Garin Gwandu, Alhaji Aminullahi Umar, acted as the Waliy (guardian) for the brides. Meanwhile, the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, served as the Wakil (representative) for the grooms, overseeing the marriage contracts.
Governor Idris praised his wife, Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris, for spearheading the initiative through her NANAS Foundation, with the full backing of the state government. He also announced plans for an even larger mass wedding next year, reaffirming his administration’s dedication to social welfare and community development.
The newlyweds were not left empty-handed. The state government provided each couple with complete room furniture, including beds, bedding, and household utensils, free of charge. Additionally, Hajiya Nafisa gifted each couple N20,000, totaling N12 million. This gesture was matched by Hon. Bello Dallatun Ka’oje, the member of the House of Representatives for Suru/Bagudo Constituency.
Senator Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, also contributed N50,000 to each couple—N30,000 for the grooms and N20,000 for the brides—amounting to N15 million.
The marriage rites were conducted by prominent Islamic clerics, including Sheikh Mukhtar Abdullahi, Walin Gwandu, Mallam Ahmad S/Fawa, Mallam Muhammadu Yahaya, and the Imam of Wala Jumu’a Mosque in Birnin Kebbi. Renowned scholars such as Professor Mansur Isah Yelwa, Professor Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, Sheikh Abdurrahman Isa Jega, and Mallam Ahmad Tijjani of the Dariqa movement delivered sermons, urging the couples to embrace love, patience, loyalty, and sincerity in their marriages.
Alhaji Suleiman Muhammad Argungu, Chairman of the organizing committee and National Organising Secretary of the APC, expressed gratitude to Governor Idris and his wife for their unwavering support. He noted that lessons from previous mass weddings helped ensure the success of this event.
Senator Bagudu, the immediate past governor of Kebbi State, commended the initiative for its positive impact on the lives of the couples. Similarly, the APC National Secretary, Hon. Ajibola Basiru, praised the program for not only uniting the couples in matrimony but also empowering them with financial support.
One of the brides, Hauwa Abdullahi from Zauro village, expressed her gratitude to the Kebbi State government and pledged to respect and support her husband. A groom from Gwadangaji village, Bello Gwadangwaji, shared how the state government’s assistance made his dream of marriage possible, as he lacked the funds to sponsor his wedding. He thanked the governor’s wife and the state government, promising to love and cherish his wife.
The mass wedding ceremony not only celebrated love and union but also highlighted the Kebbi State government’s commitment to uplifting its citizens and fostering community development. With plans for an even larger event next year, the initiative continues to inspire hope and joy across the state.
