By Haruna Usman, Birnin Kebbi
President Bola Tinubu’s daughter, Mujidat Folashade Tinubu-Ojo, on Monday joined several prominent Nigerians in Kebbi State for the third edition of the state’s mass wedding programme for vulnerable persons.
Tinubu-Ojo, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the event, formally flagged off the ceremony by presenting symbolic bride price of ₦250,000 each and marriage certificates to selected couples.
Speaking at the event, she commended the Kebbi State Governor, Dr. Nasir Idris, and his wife, Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris, for sustaining the initiative, describing it as a laudable intervention that promotes family values and social inclusion.
She also urged the newly married couples to build their homes on the foundations of love, mutual respect and responsibility.
Earlier, Governor Nasir Idris announced that his administration had provided a total of ₦150 million as bride price for the 600 couples participating in the mass wedding, translating to ₦250,000 for each couple.
While presenting the symbolic bride price to two selected brides, the governor said the gesture was intended to support the couples as they begin married life in accordance with Islamic traditions.
“We present to you bride price of ₦250,000 each so that you may be joined in marriage as husband and wife in line with the provisions of Islam,” he said.
The mass wedding programme was organised by the NANAS Foundation, the pet project of the Kebbi State First Lady, Hajiya Nafisa Nasir Idris, and drew dignitaries from across the country.
Among those in attendance were the First Lady of Katsina State, Hajiya Fatima Umar Dikko Radda, and the First Lady of Jigawa State and former First Lady of Kebbi State, Dr. Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, alongside other notable women leaders and public office holders.
In a show of support for the newlyweds, Dr. Bagudu donated ₦15 million to the 600 couples to strengthen their new homes. Several politicians and government officials also made cash donations to support the beneficiaries.
The ceremony featured Islamic scholars who offered prayers and marital guidance to the couples. They included Professor Mansur Sokoto, Sheikh Abdurahman Isa Jega and renowned cleric Sheikh Aminu Daurawa.
The annual mass wedding initiative is aimed at assisting vulnerable individuals to formalise their marriages, reduce financial burdens associated with marriage, and promote stable family life across Kebbi State.