An Arewa lady has weighed in on the controversy surrounding the ₦1.5 billion reportedly spent by the Kano State Government on its mass wedding programme, saying the initiative reflects what many people in the state want and could also have political implications ahead of the 2027 election.
Known as Auren Gata, the programme was coordinated by the Kano State Hisbah Board under Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf to support low-income residents struggling with the cost of marriage.
A total of 1,500 couples were married on Friday, August 7, 2026, after more than 5,000 people reportedly applied.
The support package included:
Beds and mattresses
Household furniture
Bedsheets and pillows
Cupboards
Food supplies
Clothing materials
Dowry support
Empowerment grants
Each bride was also to receive ₦100,000 as business start-up capital, while each groom was to receive ₦100,000 towards dowry.
The intending couples underwent medical screening, including HIV, hepatitis, genotype compatibility, pregnancy and other health-related tests.
The programme was reportedly open to both Muslims and Christians, despite being coordinated by the Hisbah Board.
While supporters say the initiative is helping people who may otherwise struggle to marry, critics have questioned spending ₦1.5 billion on mass weddings when they believe the state has more pressing development needs.
The Arewa lady, however, argued that the government knows what its people want and suggested that fulfilling such demands could earn the governor political support at the next election.
The event has also attracted attention over the Tinubu-branded caps worn by some attendees, with critics interpreting them as a political message ahead of the 2027 elections.
