The regional government of Kano State in northern Nigeria organized a mass wedding ceremony, uniting around 1,500 couples in marriage. The two-day event was designed to support low-income families and promote social stability in the region.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's administration provided each bride with a dowry of 200,000 naira (approximately $147) and support to start a small business. Couples also received household items such as beds, mattresses, and blankets.

One of the grooms, Abubakar Aliyu Musa, told the Associated Press: "The whole idea for the marriage is to help our families and we husbands who are not financially stable to marry; that's why the government is helping us get married."

Governor Yusuf described the program as a "bold social intervention aimed at restoring hope and supporting dignified family life in Kano." He emphasized that the initiative was designed not only to assist women who might struggle to afford marriage but also to strengthen families and promote social stability.

Among the participants were individuals who had lost family members in violent attacks. Haruna Bashir, who lost his wife and six children earlier this year, was hailed as gradually returning to normal life through this ceremony, having hardly interacted with people since the tragic incident.

Nigeria has been grappling with a major security crisis for years, particularly in the north, which is regularly hit by raids and attacks by Islamist insurgents and organized gangs. Many armed groups also kidnap schoolchildren for ransom. On Wednesday, the Nigerian government announced the release of 308 abducted people.

Source: www.dw.com