In a dazzling display of state benevolence, the Kebbi Government orchestrated a monumental mass wedding at the Emir of Gwandu Palace, uniting 300 couples in a celebration designed to empower vulnerable women—widowed, divorced, or otherwise left to fend for themselves—and their children. In collaboration with the Nafisa Nasir Charity Development Foundation (NANAS), Gov. Nasir Idris presided over the ceremony, disbursing an impressive N54 million in dowries—N180,000 per couple.
Before the unions were solemnized, both men and women underwent rigorous genotype screenings, with additional tests ensuring the women were not pregnant, thereby safeguarding the health of the newlyweds. Gov. Idris lauded his wife, Hajiya Nafisa Nasir-Idris, for masterminding the event under her flagship NANAS project, and boldly announced plans for even larger-scale mass weddings in 2026 as part of his administration’s social mandate.
Urging the couples to cultivate patience and tolerance for enduring marital harmony, the governor underscored that a steadfast marriage not only fosters peace but also attracts divine blessings. In a symbolic gesture, the Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Iliyasu-Bashar, was represented by Alhaji Aminullahi Umar, who served as the guardian (Waliy) of the brides, while Dr. Abdullahi Umar-Ganduje of the APC assumed the role of representative (Wakil) for the grooms.
Adding to the festive generosity, Sen. Atiku Bagudu, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, contributed N50,000 to each couple, totaling N15 million. The sacred rites were conducted by esteemed Islamic clerics—including the Chief Imam of the Central Mosque in Birnin Kebbi, Sheikh Mukhtar Abdullahi—and enriched by inspiring sermons from notable scholars who exhorted the couples to nurture love, loyalty, justice, and sincerity in their new bonds.
Further accentuating the grandeur of the occasion, the government gifted each couple an elegant set of room furnishings and essential household items. Complementary monetary gifts from the governor’s wife and Alhaji Bello Ka’oje of Suru/Bagudo Federal Constituency underscored the spirit of communal support and ensured that every newlywed stepped into married life with dignity and promise.
