By Uzair Adam
The Kano State Hisbah Board has announced that medical screening for 3,000 prospective couples participating in the state-sponsored mass wedding programme will begin on Monday.
The Deputy Commander General of the Board, Mujahideen Aminuddeen, disclosed this on Sunday, directing all prospective couples from 24 local government areas to report to their respective Hisbah offices for the exercise.
The affected local government areas are Rogo, Wudil, Tudun Wada, Warawa, Kibiya, Dawakin Tofa, Garun Malam, Kura, Dambatta, Karaye, Tsanyawa, Minjibir, Rimin Gado, Shanono, Kabo, Tofa, Rano, Bebeji, Ajingi, Gwarzo, Sumaila, Kiru, Takai and Madobi.
Aminuddeen said the screening would include tests for HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, genotype compatibility, drug abuse and pregnancy for female applicants.
He explained that only applicants who successfully pass the medical screening would be eligible to participate in the mass wedding programme.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf had earlier announced plans to sponsor the marriage of 1,500 men and 1,500 women, mainly widows, divorcees, orphans and other low-income residents across the state.
Under the initiative, each groom will receive N100,000 as dowry support, while the couples will be provided with household items, including beds, mattresses, wardrobes and food supplies.
Beneficiaries will also receive grants of N100,000 each to support small-scale businesses and improve their economic well-being.
The mass wedding programme, organised by the Hisbah Board, is designed to strengthen family values, promote social stability and ease economic challenges facing vulnerable residents in the state.
Although the initiative has received widespread support, some stakeholders have expressed concerns about its long-term sustainability.
However, the state government maintains that participation in the programme remains voluntary and based on mutual consent.
