Kano Govt Screens Couples For Mass Wedding With N1.5 Billion Budget [Video]

The Kano State Government has set aside N1.5 billion to sponsor a mass wedding programme involving 1,500 couples across the state.

The initiative, which is being organised by the Kano State Hisbah Board, is expected to hold later this month and will cater to a wide range of participants, including widows, divorcees, and orphans.

According to the state government, the programme is aimed at promoting stable homes and supporting couples as they begin married life.

As part of the preparations, intending couples are currently undergoing medical tests in 24 local government areas.

The screenings cover HIV, hepatitis, genotype compatibility, and pregnancy to ensure that the couples are medically fit before marriage.

The Director-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Abba Sufi, made this known on Monday while monitoring the ongoing premarital screening exercise.

He explained that beyond helping couples get married, the programme is also designed to reduce the number of children born outside marriage and encourage stronger family values.

Sufi noted that couples who participate in the scheme are expected to seek guidance from the Hisbah Board before taking steps toward divorce.

He said, “If you engage in this programme, you cannot divorce until you come to the Kano Hisbah board. The premarital medical screening includes HIV, genotype and others.”

The mass wedding initiative has generated mixed reactions among residents.

While many people have praised the programme for preserving cultural and religious values, especially with plans to provide business support for some beneficiaries, others believe the N1.5 billion could have been used to address pressing issues such as poverty, unemployment, and the growing number of out-of-school children in the state amid rising inflation and security challenges.

Watch the video below:

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