The Chairman of Gwarzo Local Government Area of Kano State, Dr. Mani Tsoho Gwarzo, has officiated a mass wedding for 16 couples, with the local government paying a dowry of ₦100,000 for each bride as part of efforts to support family formation and promote social welfare.
The ceremony, held at the Central Juma’at Mosque, Kofar Fada, Gwarzo, attracted Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, government officials, community leaders and residents from across the local government area.
The Chief Imam of Gwarzo, Malam Muktar Sa’id, solemnised the marriages and offered prayers for peaceful, successful and enduring unions for the newlyweds.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Mani said the mass wedding programme aligns with the Kano State Government’s social welfare initiatives under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, aimed at assisting young people to establish families, reducing the financial burden associated with marriage and promoting social stability.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the local government to implementing programmes that improve the welfare of young people and vulnerable members of society.
The chairman noted that supporting marriage remains an important strategy for strengthening family values and fostering peaceful communities.
In his remarks, the Chief Imam disclosed that the traditional bridal gift presentation (Siga) for the couples was conducted on Thursday ahead of the wedding ceremony.
He commended Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for supporting mass marriage initiatives and other humanitarian programmes, describing marriage as an act of worship and a foundation for a morally upright society.
The Commander of the Gwarzo Local Government Hisbah Board, Malam Umar Abdullahi, urged the couples to build their homes on the principles of love, patience and the teachings of Islam.
He also announced that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf will host a wedding reception for the couples at the Kano State Government House on Saturday.
The District Head of Gwarzo and Sarkin Dawaki Mai Tuta of Kano, Alhaji Bello Abubakar Gwarzo, represented by Malam Kabiru, offered prayers for the couples, wishing them peaceful, prosperous and successful marriages.
Other dignitaries at the ceremony included a representative of the Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, represented by Malam Yusuf Sa’id; the APC Chairman in the area, Alhaji Safiyanu Yusuf Ciroma Kutama; councillors, government officials and other community stakeholders.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Isa Haruna expressed appreciation to Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf and the Gwarzo Local Government Chairman for the initiative, describing it as a significant intervention that would ease the financial burden of marriage and contribute to social harmony within the community.