Kano Govt Spent N1.5bn on Mass Wedding to Fulfil Campaign Pledge – Gov Yusuf
By Victor Idajil
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has said the state spent over N1.5 billion on the 2026 mass wedding programme to keep a 2023 campaign promise and help 1,500 couples start married life on a stable footing.
The governor spoke on Saturday during the wedding ceremony for beneficiaries of the programme, popularly called Auren Gata. He explained that the initiative goes beyond conducting weddings to include social, economic and household support.
“This is one of the key promises we made to the people of Kano during our campaign across the 44 local government areas ahead of the 2023 elections,” Yusuf said.
“Alhamdulillah, to the glory of Allah, today we have continued to fulfil that promise.”
According to the governor, all applicants were subjected to thorough screening before selection. The process included medical tests, marriage counselling, workshops and seminars aimed at preparing them for the responsibilities of marriage.
He said the medical screening was especially important to protect the health of the couples and their unborn children.
Under the programme, each bride received N100,000 as dowry and another N100,000 as a capital grant to start a small business and become economically independent.
The couples also got household items such as beds, mattresses and other essentials, plus food supplies and additional support to ease the cost of setting up a new home.
Governor Yusuf urged the newlyweds to view marriage as _Ibada_ and to run their homes in line with Islamic teachings.
“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 told them.
He advised them to practice patience, fairness and mutual respect, and to resolve conflicts peacefully. He also prayed for Allah to bless the marriages with righteous children who would be of benefit to their families and society.
The governor thanked traditional rulers, Islamic scholars and guests who attended the ceremony.
He specifically recognised members of the Kano State Council of Emirs, including the Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, and the Emirs of Rano, Karaye and Gaya, for their guidance and prayers. He also appreciated clerics from across the country who came to counsel the couples.
The 2026 Auren Gata programme covered selected couples from all 44 local government areas of Kano State, with the goal of giving young families financial, material and social backing as they begin married life.
