The Kano State Hisbah Board has finalized plans to conduct medical screening for 3,000 prospective couples across 24 local government areas as part of the revived mass wedding initiative. The exercise is scheduled to commence on Monday, June 15.
Details of the Medical Screening
The screening will involve 1,500 men and 1,500 women drawn from all 24 local government areas selected for the programme. According to the Deputy Commander General of the Hisbah Board, Mujahedeen Aminudeen, participants will undergo tests for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis B, genotype compatibility, drug use, gonorrhoea, and other sexually transmitted infections. The screening is being conducted in partnership with the Kano State Ministry of Health and the state agency responsible for HIV/AIDS control.
Compulsory Participation
Attendance at the screening is mandatory for all intending beneficiaries. Aminudeen warned that anyone who fails to appear for the exercise will be removed from the programme. Only applicants who successfully pass the required medical examinations will be eligible to participate in the wedding ceremony.
Affected Local Government Areas
The 24 local government areas included in the programme are: Rogo, Wudil, Tudun Wada, Warawa, Kibiya, Dawakin Tofa, Garun Malam, Kura, Dambatta, Karaye, Tsanyawa, Minjibir, Rimin Gado, Shanono, Kabo, Tofa, Rano, Bebeji, Ajingi, Gwarzo, Sumaila, Kiru, Takai, and Madobi.
Background of the Mass Wedding Scheme
The mass wedding scheme was reintroduced by the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf as part of efforts to support individuals facing financial difficulties that make marriage difficult. State authorities have linked the initiative to broader social interventions aimed at addressing challenges affecting vulnerable young people across Kano. In a related development, the Kano state government previously announced a plan to spend N854 million on a mass wedding for vulnerable persons. Additionally, Governor Yusuf released over N1.5 billion to pay NECO registration fees for 57,000 secondary school students.
