Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, has covered the dowries of 300 couples, spending ₦54 million as part of a mass wedding programme spearheaded by NANAS Foundation, a project founded by his wife, Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris.
The ceremony, which took place at the Emir of Gwandu’s palace in Birnin Kebbi, attracted top dignitaries. Among them was the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, who represented the grooms, while Emir of Gwandu, retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammad Iliyasu-Bashar, stood in for the brides.
The weddings were conducted by Islamic clerics, including Sheik Muktar Abdullahi, Malam Ahmad S. Pawa, and Malam Muhammad, following the payment of ₦180,000 dowry for each bride.
Speaking at the event, APC National Secretary, Dr Tajuddeen Bashiru, noted that beyond the marriages, the initiative aimed to uplift families.
“Kebbi State Government is not only marrying off 300 couples but empowering 300 families,” he said.
Governor Idris advised the newlyweds to be fair and respectful to each other and praised his wife for launching the programme, promising to sustain it yearly.
To support the couples, the state government provided household essentials, while Sen. Atiku-Bagudu donated ₦50,000 to each couple. Rep. Bello Ka’oje contributed ₦20,000 per couple along with irrigation pumps.
