KANO, NIGERIA — The Kano State Hisbah Board has screened 720 couples out of 3,000 applicants for its planned mass wedding programme, as preparations intensify for the state-supported initiative aimed at promoting social stability and reducing moral and economic pressures among vulnerable residents.
Officials of the board said the screening exercise is part of a structured process designed to verify eligibility and ensure that only qualified couples benefit from the programme, which has become a recurring social intervention in the state.
According to authorities, the mass wedding scheme is intended to assist low-income individuals who face financial barriers to formal marriage, while also addressing concerns related to social vices, including informal relationships and family instability.
The screening process reportedly involves verification of personal details, marital status, and compliance with the requirements set by the Hisbah Board, which oversees moral and religious enforcement in the state.
Officials noted that the programme also includes counselling sessions for selected couples, focusing on family responsibilities, conflict resolution, and financial management in marriage.
The initiative has historically attracted significant public attention, with supporters describing it as a welfare-driven intervention that supports social cohesion, particularly among economically disadvantaged groups.
However, critics have raised questions about sustainability and the role of government in facilitating marriage programmes, arguing that long-term solutions should focus on employment creation and economic empowerment rather than direct social interventions.
Despite differing views, the Kano State Government maintains that the mass wedding initiative is part of broader efforts to reduce poverty-related social challenges and strengthen family structures within communities.
Hisbah officials added that the screening exercise will continue until all eligible applicants are assessed, after which final selections will be made ahead of the wedding ceremony.
Community leaders have expressed support for the initiative, saying it provides relief to many families struggling with the financial demands of traditional marriage ceremonies.
As preparations continue, authorities say they are committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in the selection process while maintaining the cultural and religious values guiding the programme.
