Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has explained that the state government committed over ₦1.5 billion to its 2026 mass wedding programme in fulfilment of a campaign promise to support 1,500 newly married couples across the state.
The governor said the initiative, popularly known as Auren Gata, was designed not only to help couples get married, but also to provide them with social, economic and household support as they begin their marital lives.
Yusuf spoke on Saturday during the wedding ceremony organised for the 1,500 couples under the state’s mass wedding programme.
He said the programme was one of the major promises he made to residents during his campaign across the 44 local government areas of Kano State ahead of the 2023 general elections.
“Alhamdulillah, to the glory of Allah, today we have continued to fulfil that promise,” he said.
According to the governor, all prospective couples admitted into the programme underwent comprehensive screening, including medical examinations, marriage counselling, workshops and seminars to prepare them for the responsibilities of married life.
He said the medical screening was particularly important to protect the health of the couples and their future children.
Yusuf disclosed that each bride received ₦100,000 as dowry and another ₦100,000 as a capital grant to enable her start a small business and become economically self-reliant.
He added that the beneficiaries also received household furniture and essential items, including beds, mattresses and other necessities, as well as food items and other support to reduce the financial burden of starting a new home.
The governor urged the newly married couples to regard marriage as an act of worship and conduct their homes in line with the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah.
He advised them to embrace patience, fairness, mutual respect and peaceful resolution of disagreements in their homes.
“Always remember that marriage is an act of Ibada. Therefore, strive to conduct your matrimonial life in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Sunnah of our noble Prophet Muhammad,” he said.
Yusuf prayed for Allah to bless the marriages with righteous children who would be beneficial to their families, society and humanity.
The governor specifically acknowledged members of the Kano State Council of Emirs, including the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, as well as the emirs of Rano, Karaye and Gaya, for their guidance, prayers and support.
The governor specifically acknowledged members of the Kano State Council of Emirs, including the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, as well as the emirs of Rano, Karaye and Gaya, for their guidance, prayers and support.
He also thanked Islamic scholars and clerics who travelled from different parts of the country to participate in the programme and counsel the couples.
The 2026 mass wedding programme was designed to provide financial, household and social support to selected couples across Kano State, with activities spread across the state’s 44 local government areas.