By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
The Government has announced plans to sponsor a mass wedding for 150 orphaned young women as part of efforts to improve the welfare of youths and promote Islamic values in the state.
The initiative was introduced by the First Lady of Jigawa State, , with the aim of bringing happiness and hope to the lives of orphaned girls across the state.
According to the government, screening forms have already been distributed to the 150 brides and their 150 prospective grooms. The screening exercise is being coordinated by the state Hisbah Board, which has confirmed that the selected couples have successfully passed the verification process.
Speaking to journalists, the Commander of the , Malam Muhammed Hafiz Bashir, said the programme would involve 300 participants in total — 150 brides and 150 grooms.
He explained that five orphaned girls and five grooms were selected from each of the 27 local government areas of the state, making up the total number of beneficiaries.
The commander added that the government would fully support the couples with wedding materials and household items. Each groom will receive traditional wedding attire, including a babban riga, trousers, shoes, caps, and other accessories. The brides will be provided with wrappers, lace materials, hijabs, and other items for their wedding ceremony.
In addition, the state government will furnish the couples with household essentials such as beds, chairs, carpets, and bedding materials to help them begin their married lives comfortably.
On the issue of dowry, Bashir disclosed that the First Lady, Hajiya Amina Umar Namadi, pledged to personally pay the dowry for each bride, amounting to no less than ₦100,000 per person.
He further revealed that the Hisbah Board is also planning to organize a mass wedding for widows next year as part of efforts to reduce social vices and support vulnerable women in the state.
