Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, presided over the mass wedding of 300 couples, with the state government funding a total of N54 million in dowries—N180,000 per couple.
Ahead of the solemnization, all prospective couples underwent genotype testing, while the brides were examined to ensure they were not pregnant, in line with Islamic marital requirements.
The Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu Bashar, was represented by the Magajin Garin Gwandu, Alhaji Aminullahi Umar, who served as the Waliy (guardian) for the brides.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, acted as the Wakil (representative) for the grooms, facilitating the marriage contracts.
Governor Idris commended his wife, Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris, for organizing the event through her NANAS Foundation with government support. He also announced plans for an even larger mass wedding next year as part of his administration’s commitment to social welfare.
The government provided each couple with complete room furniture, including beds, bedding, and household utensils—all free of charge.
Additionally, Hajiya Nafisa donated N20,000 to each couple, totaling N12 million. The Member of the House of Representatives for Suru/Bagudo Constituency, Hon. Bello Dallatun Ka’oje, matched this donation.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, contributed N50,000 to each couple—N30,000 for the grooms and N20,000 for the brides—amounting to N15 million.
The marriage rites were conducted by prominent Islamic clerics, including Sheikh Mukhtar Abdullahi, Walin Gwandu, Mallam Ahmad S/Fawa, and Mallam Muhammadu Yahaya, the Imam of Wala Jumu’a Mosque, Birnin Kebbi.
Islamic scholars such as Professor Mansur Isah Yelwa, Professor Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, Sheikh Abdurrahman Isa Jega, and Mallam Ahmad Tijjani of the Dariqa movement also delivered sermons.
