“Auren Gata”: Kano Screens 1,500 Couples For Mass Wedding …To Spend N1.5 Billion …Dowry Support N100k

The Kano State Hisbah Board, in collaboration with the state’s health authorities, is conducting pre-marital screening for 3,000 prospective couples (1,500 males and 1,500 females) participating in the “Auren Gata” mass wedding scheme.

The tests cover HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, genotype compatibility, and drug use.

Following updates from Channels Television and other local outlets, the screening program has rolled out to ensure only physically and medically compatible individuals take part in the government-sponsored mass marriage.

The scheme largely supports vulnerable demographics, including widows, divorcees, and low-income singles.

Applicants from the metropolitan Local Government Areas (LGAs) have been directed to undergo their medical tests at the Agency for the Control of AIDS (KSACA) headquarters in the Na’ibawa area.

The state government has set aside N1.5 billion to support the program. Each groom will receive N100,000 for dowry support, and participating couples are to be provided with household furniture, food items, and business startup grants.

The Hisbah Board has mandated that couples cannot dissolve their marriages without first bringing the dispute before the Hisbah reconciliation committee.

Abba Sufi, Chairman Hisbah Board, says no one is forcing anyone to marry, adding that the genotype, HIv, and Happatitis screening is to ensure compatibility.