The Kebbi State Government has organized a mass wedding for 300 couples, providing both financial and material support to help them start their new lives together. The event took place at the Emir’s Palace in Birnin Kebbi and was coordinated by the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Ganduje, alongside the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar.
This mass wedding, which is the second such event under the administration of Governor Nasir Idris, has garnered widespread praise for its effort to assist young couples in establishing their homes with a strong foundation.
The ceremony was not just a celebration of love but also a demonstration of the government’s commitment to reducing financial barriers to marriage, particularly for couples in the state’s rural areas. The 300 couples, who were selected from all 21 local government areas of Kebbi State, were provided with ₦180,000 each as dowries during the event. This generous financial assistance is aimed at easing the financial burden on the grooms and ensuring that the new couples can begin their married lives with greater stability.
The mass wedding ceremony was a grand occasion, with dignitaries and religious leaders in attendance. The solemnization of the marriages was conducted by the Walin Gwandu, Malam Muktar, who was assisted by other respected Islamic clerics. Their presence highlighted the strong influence of religion in the cultural and social life of Kebbi State, where Islam plays a central role in shaping community values.
Addressing the couples and guests during the event, Governor Nasir Idris expressed his delight at the successful organisation of the wedding. He highlighted that the mass wedding was a continuation of his administration’s efforts to support the youth, particularly in terms of marriage, which is an important cultural and social institution in Kebbi.
“This is not just about bringing couples together, but it is about ensuring they start their journey with adequate support,” Governor Idris said. “By providing dowries and medical screenings, we are helping our young people build strong, healthy families that will contribute positively to society.”
The mass wedding ceremony has been a well-received initiative, with many expressing gratitude for the support it offers to couples who may not have had the financial means to conduct a traditional wedding. It also serves as a reminder of the importance of marriage in Nigerian society, particularly in communities where cultural traditions place great value on the institution of marriage.
The ceremony was graced by Abdullahi Ganduje, the National Chairman of the APC, who played a key role in the planning and execution of the event. His involvement highlights the party’s commitment to social welfare programmes aimed at improving the lives of ordinary Nigerians, especially in the northern region.
The Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, also played a central role in the event. As a traditional ruler, his support for the mass wedding reflects the strong link between political leadership and traditional institutions in the region. His presence not only added prestige to the ceremony but also highlighted the traditional and cultural significance of marriage in Kebbi State.
The collaboration between political and traditional leaders in the state shows a united effort to address key social issues, such as marriage, family support, and community well-being.
The organisers of the mass wedding also took significant steps to ensure that the new couples are well-prepared for their married life. Before the wedding, all couples underwent medical screenings, a critical measure to ensure that the health and well-being of both the bride and the groom are taken into consideration.
“The health screening is an important step in ensuring that both parties are fit for marriage,” said Malam Muktar, the Walin Gwandu, who officiated the ceremony. “It also shows that the government is concerned about the future of these families, making sure they are in the best possible health as they begin their new lives together.”
Additionally, the grooms were assessed to ensure that they had a trade or skill to support their wives and families, as well as a proper place of shelter. This reflects the government’s commitment not only to provide financial support but also to ensure that the couples are ready to handle the responsibilities of married life.
The mass wedding programme is part of Governor Nasir Idris’s broader efforts to support youth development and encourage stable family life. The initiative provides an opportunity for young people in Kebbi to start families without the financial strain that often accompanies traditional weddings.
Many of the couples selected for the wedding were from rural areas of Kebbi, where poverty and lack of resources can make it difficult for young people to marry. With the help of the government’s support, these couples can now enter into marriage with financial security and access to health services.
One of the grooms, Usman Ibrahim, who is from the Argungu Local Government Area, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. “I never imagined that I could have such a beautiful wedding,” Usman said. “The support from the government has made everything possible. I am very grateful for this opportunity, and I will do my best to make my marriage successful.”
