Kano spends N1.5bn on mass wedding programme, gives each couple dowry, furniture

Kano State Governor Abba Kabir-Yusuf has disclosed that the state government spent N1.5 billion on its mass wedding programme — known as Auren Gata — covering medical screening, N100,000 dowry payments, N100,000 business seed capital grants, household furniture, food items and marriage counselling for newly wedded couples.

Speaking at a reception and furniture distribution ceremony at Government House on Saturday, as reported by Peoples Gazette, Yusuf described the initiative as the fulfilment of a key 2023 campaign promise made across Kano’s 44 local government areas.

Katsina Governor Umar Dikko-Radda commended the initiative, while Islamic cleric Sheikh Abdullahi Bala-Lau said the programme could help address insecurity driven by idle youth. Jigawa Governor Umar Namadi and former Kano Governor Ibrahim Shekarau were among dignitaries present.