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Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, has fully settled the dowries for 300 couples, amounting to N54 million, as part of a mass wedding initiative organized by NANAS Foundation, a pet project of his wife, Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris.
The wedding ceremony, held at the Emir of Gwandu’s palace in Birnin Kebbi on Thursday, saw high-profile dignitaries in attendance.
The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, stood as the Wakili (representative) of the grooms, while Emir of Gwandu, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Iliyasu-Bashar represented the brides as Waliyi.
Islamic clerics, including Sheik Muktar Abdullahi (Walin Gwandu), Malam Ahmad S. Pawa (Imam of Jakolo Mosque), and Malam Muhammad (Imam of Wala Mosque), officiated the marriages after the N180,000 dowry for each bride was paid.
Empowerment Beyond Marriage
Speaking at the event, APC National Secretary, Dr. Tajuddeen Bashiru, emphasized that the mass wedding was not just about uniting couples but also empowering families.
“Kebbi State Government is not only marrying off 300 couples but empowering 300 families,” he said.
Idris, in his remarks, urged the newlyweds to treat each other with fairness and respect. He also expressed gratitude to his wife for initiating the program and pledged to continue supporting it annually.
The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku-Bagudu, commended the initiative, describing it as a call to wealthy individuals to assist others in getting married.
Islamic Perspective on Marriage
Islamic scholars, including Sheik Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, Sheik Mansur Sokoto, Sheik Mansur Isa, and Sheik AbdurRahman Isa-Jega, underscored the significance of marriage in Islam.
Referencing the Qur’an and Hadith, they highlighted the importance of supporting one another in righteousness and noted that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) encouraged capable men to marry.
The event featured generous donations from dignitaries: Kebbi State Government provided furniture, foodstuff, and other marital essentials (excluding accommodation).
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Atiku-Bagudu, donated N50,000 to each couple.
Rep. Bello Ka’oje (Bagudo/Suru Federal Constituency) gifted each couple N20,000 and an irrigation pumping machine.
This initiative, aimed at promoting family stability and economic empowerment, was widely applauded by attendees.
