In a compassionate initiative, the wife of the Kebbi State governor, Hajia Nafisa Nasir Idris, orchestrated a mass wedding for over 300 widows, divorcees, and indigents at the Gwandu Emirate Palace in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.
The event, facilitated by the Nanas Foundation, a pet project of the governor’s wife, aimed to address the pressing issues faced by individuals who had lost their spouses, experienced failed marriages, or were financially incapable of bearing the costs of marriage.
The Kebbi first lady, speaking at the occasion, emphasized that the mass wedding was a deliberate effort to reduce the high number of divorces and widows in society. She highlighted the government’s responsibility to assist citizens in the best way possible and expressed that the event was organized to provide a sense of belonging to divorcées, widows, and the economically disadvantaged.
Hajia Nasir Idris stated, “My husband has said at several public functions that he will return governance to the people, and he is doing just that through massive projects and welfare for the people of Kebbi State.”
During the ceremony, a total of N21 million was paid as dowry to the brides’ parents, with each bride receiving N70,000 as part of the dowry. In addition to the financial support, the newlyweds were provided with chairs, beds, kitchen utensils, and food items to assist them in establishing their new households.
The mass wedding event garnered attendance from notable figures, including Sheikh Aminu Daurawa, a renowned Islamic cleric from Kano State, local government chairmen, top political figures in Kebbi, and officials from Hisbah who played a crucial role in organizing and selecting beneficiaries from the 21 local governments. The initiative showcases a commitment to social welfare and community support, addressing the needs of vulnerable individuals in Kebbi State.
