In a bold social intervention move, the Kebbi State Government has announced plans to sponsor a mass wedding ceremony for 300 couples across the state, offering ₦180,000 as bride price for each bride. The event, scheduled for February 27, is aimed at alleviating financial burdens for underprivileged couples and fostering family stability.
The initiative, organized in collaboration with the Nafisa Nasir Charity Development Foundation (NANAS), is part of Governor Nasir Idris’s broader commitment to social welfare and community development.
Speaking at a press briefing in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday, Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, Chairman of the Organising Committee, underscored the state government’s dedication to supporting residents who struggle with the high costs of marriage.
Beyond the financial dowry, the Kebbi State Government has pledged to provide essential household items to help the newlyweds start their lives on a stable footing. Each couple will receive:
₦180,000 as bride price (totaling ₦54 million for 300 brides)
Room furniture to furnish their marital homes
Foodstuffs to ease their initial post-marriage expenses
In addition, various committees have been established to oversee critical pre-marriage preparations, including:
Medical screenings such as pregnancy tests, genotype compatibility tests, and HIV/AIDS screenings
Legal and religious consultations to ensure the marriages align with Islamic principles and legal requirements
Argungu further emphasized that the wedding ceremonies will be conducted in strict accordance with Islamic teachings, following consultations with Islamic scholars.
A Tradition of Mass Weddings
Governor Idris’s administration has reiterated its commitment to periodically organizing mass weddings to assist struggling families and promote social cohesion. This initiative follows a similar model previously adopted in some northern states to address the rising costs of marriage and reduce the rate of unmarried adults due to financial constraints.
As the February 27 date approaches, anticipation is building among prospective couples and their families, with many seeing this as a rare opportunity to fulfill their matrimonial dreams without financial hardship.
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