The wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Nafisa Nasir Idris, has through her pet project, Nafisa Nasir Foundation, NANAS, has on Monday in Birnin Kebbi married off three hundred couples drawn from down the ladder of the society.
The mass wedding, the third of its kind consecutively drew the brides from orphans, widows and divorcees, with the couples enjoying free room furniture, dowry, cash donation, foodstuffs and utensils, provided by the Foundation in collaboration with the State Government.
Speaking at the occasion, Governor Nasir Idris said the initiative was aimed at strengthening family values, supporting less-privileged citizens and promoting social development.
He said the programme reflected his administration’s resolve to improve the welfare of the people and extend the dividends of democracy to more residents, stressing that this initiative would be sustained for people to continue enjoying the dividends of democracy.
Also speaking, wife of the Governor as well as the owner of the project, Nafisa Nasir Idris, said the initiative was designed to help less-privileged persons establish stable families and become responsible members of society.
She urged the newly married couples to uphold the values and responsibilities of marriage in line with Islamic teachings and thanked the governor, donors and other stakeholders for supporting the programme.
The Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, called for the establishment of guidance and counselling committees and regular seminars to strengthen the sustainability of the mirrages.
Another Islamic scholar, Professor Mansur Ibrahim Sokoto, urged the couples to build their homes on trust, patience and understanding, describing marriage as a noble Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (SAW).
The daughter of President Tinubu, Iyaloja-General of Nigeria, Mujidat Tinubu Ojo, who also attended the mass wedding ceremony, described the initiative as an investment in nation-building, saying, “Empowering families is empowering the nation.”
Governor Idris and the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, served as spouses trustees during the marriage solemnisation.
