By Uzair Adam
A civil society organization, War Against Injustice (WAI), has urged the Kano State government to prioritize essential sectors such as education, healthcare, and job creation instead of allocating N2.5 billion for quarterly mass weddings in 2025.
In a statement on Monday, WAI’s Executive Director, Comr. Umar Ibrahim Umar, expressed concern over the government’s decision, describing it as a misplacement of priorities at a time when the state is struggling with unemployment, poor infrastructure, and rising social challenges.
The group emphasized the need for strategic investments in job creation to curb youth unemployment, which has contributed to the rise in street crimes such as phone snatching and violent clashes.
It suggested that supporting small-scale industries in areas like Bompai, Challawa, and Sharada would stimulate economic growth and provide sustainable job opportunities.
WAI also highlighted the state of education in Kano, citing a report by UNICEF that only 9.6% of primary school pupils have reading proficiency, while 11.2% possess basic numeracy skills.
Despite the government’s renovation efforts, many schools remain in poor condition, requiring urgent intervention.
Similarly, the organization pointed to the challenges facing the healthcare sector, where many primary health care centers lack adequate facilities, equipment, and personnel.
It called for immediate action to improve medical services across the state. The statement stressed that channeling funds into productive sectors such as agriculture could help lift citizens out of poverty, addressing the root causes of social instability and marital challenges.
“We urge the Kano State government to reconsider the allocation of N2.5 billion for mass weddings and instead focus on investments that will directly improve the lives of its people,” the statement read.
WAI further called on the government to promote good governance by making decisions that align with the pressing needs of the people, emphasizing that economic stability would enable citizens to build strong families and communities.