The Sokoto State Government says it will begin strict enforcement of an existing law that bans extravagant pre-wedding activities, blaming high marriage costs for discouraging many young people from getting married.
Governor Ahmed Aliyu, in a statement issued by his media office, said excessive financial demands linked to wedding preparations have made marriage increasingly difficult for youths in the state.
According to him, the growing culture of lavish pre-wedding spending has placed heavy burdens on intending couples and contributed to the rising number of unmarried persons. He added that the situation is also pushing some youths into immoral behaviour because they cannot afford the high costs associated with marriage.
The governor said the state will soon engage stakeholders to review and fully enforce the law, noting that despite its existence, some parents and guardians still violate it through costly and showy wedding preparations.
Aliyu stressed that government intervention is necessary to protect young people and make marriage easier and more affordable, in line with Islamic teachings. He called on parents, guardians, Islamic scholars and traditional rulers to support the enforcement.
He spoke during the commissioning of a remodelled mosque and Islamiyya school in Sokoto, where religious leaders also commended his administration’s efforts in developing Islamic institutions across the state.
