The Kano State Hisbah Board has issued a stern warning to couples participating in the state government's upcoming mass wedding programme, stating that divorce is not permitted. Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, the Commander General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, delivered this caution during a visit to the headquarters of the Kano State Agency for the Control of AIDS (KSACA), one of the centers conducting medical screenings for prospective couples.
Hisbah's Stance on Divorce
Sheikh Daurawa emphasized that any individual wishing to divorce must first seek the intervention of the board for reconciliation. He noted that the Kano State Government has made substantial investments in the programme and expects the marriages to be stable and enduring. "We don't allow divorce. Any person who wants for any reason to divorce has to come to Hisbah since this is where the marriage was contracted," he stated. "We have a reconciliation committee that will sit down and resolve issues before any separation is considered."
Government Investment and Support
According to Daurawa, Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf initiated the mass wedding programme to assist less privileged residents facing financial difficulties in getting married. The government plans to sponsor 1,500 couples, providing them with furniture, wedding boxes, clothing materials, and food items. "Some people sell their land, motorcycles, or even take loans just to marry. The governor, in his mercy, decided to sponsor 1,500 couples. The state will provide furniture, wedding boxes, clothing, and food provisions," Daurawa explained.
Each couple will receive N200,000, comprising N100,000 as dowry and another N100,000 as business support capital, along with bags of rice, macaroni, and cooking oil. "This is an investment of over N250 million," he added.
Success Stories and Encouragement
The Hisbah Commander noted that many beneficiaries of previous mass wedding programmes have built successful families, with some naming their children after Governor Yusuf in appreciation. He urged the intending couples to value their marriages and work towards maintaining peaceful homes.
Premarital Health Screening
Earlier, the Director-General of KSACA, Dr. Usman Bashir, stated that the ongoing screening exercise aligns with the state's mandatory premarital health policy, signed into law in 2024. "We are screening 3,000 people to ensure they are medically fit before marriage. Couples who pass will be issued certificates, while those with health risks such as sickle cell incompatibility will be advised against proceeding. The government is fully funding the programme, and treatment will be provided where conditions are identified," Bashir said.
Beneficiaries Express Gratitude
Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the initiative. Prospective groom Magaji Muhammad said the programme fulfilled his long-standing dream of marrying after years of financial challenges. His fiancée, Wasila Kabiru, prayed for the scheme's success. Another participant, Umar Ahmad Abdullahi, expressed relief at finally having the opportunity to marry after waiting until his thirties due to economic constraints. "This screening is important because our health matters. I am happy the state is helping us," he said.
