Christians Eligible For Kano Mass Wedding, Says Hisbah Deputy Commander

The Kano State Hisbah Board has clarified that its mass wedding programme is open to both Muslims and Christians, dismissing the notion that the initiative is exclusively for Muslims.

Deputy Commander of the board, Mujahideen Aminuddeen, disclosed this on Wednesday while outlining the eligibility requirements for prospective participants in the state-sponsored marriage scheme.

He revealed that three Christian couples took part in the last mass wedding held in October 2023, adding that although preparations were ongoing for the next edition, it was too early to confirm whether any Christian couples had registered for the exercise.

Aminuddeen explained that the programme, popularly known as "Auren Gata"—meaning "marriage for the privileged"—is designed for widows, widowers, divorcees, spinsters and bachelors.

According to him, the initiative is helping to strengthen families, discourage immoral behaviour and support financially disadvantaged residents who wish to marry.

He said one of the programme's primary objectives was to fulfil Prophet Muhammad's (SAW) injunction encouraging Muslims to marry and raise families.

The deputy commander added that the initiative also helps reduce street hawking by young women seeking funds for marriage expenses while addressing immoral behaviour linked to delayed marriages caused by financial hardship.

He noted that the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf was prioritising orphans and underprivileged families unable to bear marriage expenses, stressing that all beneficiaries undergo screening and verification before selection.