The Kebbi State Government, in partnership with the Nafisa Nasir Charity Development Foundation (NANAS), has finalised plans to organise a mass wedding for 300 couples across the state on July 27.
The initiative, tagged “Inclusive Mass Wedding,” will feature both Muslim and Christian couples who have successfully met the eligibility requirements established by the organising committee.
Chairman of the Organising Committee and National Organising Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Suleiman Argungu, disclosed the development while briefing journalists in Birnin Kebbi on Tuesday.
Argungu, who previously served as the state’s Deputy Governor, explained that the programme would benefit 600 prospective spouses drawn from Kebbi’s 21 local government areas.
He stated that the beneficiaries were carefully selected from among widows, divorcees and orphans after satisfying all legal and religious conditions required for marriage.
According to him, this year’s event represents the third edition of the state government’s mass wedding initiative.
“If you recall, we successfully conducted the maiden edition for 300 couples in 2024 and the second one in 2025.
“We have already distributed application forms to prospective couples across the 21 local government areas, and preparations have reached an advanced stage,” he said.
Argungu noted that the government had established several committees to coordinate different aspects of the programme and ensure its successful implementation.
The committees, he said, are responsible for security, transportation, medical services, general coordination and liaison with Islamic scholars.
He further disclosed that all intending couples are currently undergoing compulsory medical examinations, including pregnancy tests, genotype screening and HIV/AIDS testing, alongside other statutory and religious requirements for marriage in the state.
Argungu also announced that Governor Nasir Idris had approved the payment of dowries for all 300 brides participating in the programme.
According to him, each bride will receive a dowry of ₦250,000 fully funded by the state government.
Beyond the dowries, he said the government and its partners would provide the newlyweds with essential household items to enable them begin married life on a stable footing.
The support package includes furniture, food supplies and other domestic materials intended to ease the financial burden associated with starting a new family.
Argungu disclosed that local furniture manufacturers had already been contracted to produce beds, wardrobes, sofas and other household items that would be distributed to the beneficiaries.
He emphasised that the programme remains open to both Muslims and Christians, provided applicants fall within the approved categories and fulfil all prescribed marriage conditions.
“There is no discrimination, provided applicants fall within the approved categories of orphans, widows or divorcees.
“The wedding will be solemnised after extensive consultations with Islamic scholars and in line with the teachings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW), which encourage marriage as a means of promoting family values and societal development,” Argungu said.
The government believes the initiative will not only support vulnerable members of society but also strengthen family values, promote social inclusion and improve the welfare of disadvantaged residents across Kebbi State.
