The Kano State Government has empowered 1,500 widows across its 44 local government areas through a welfare initiative that provided marriage assistance, business grants and other support measures aimed at improving livelihoods and strengthening community stability.
The initiative, implemented through a mass wedding programme held simultaneously across the state, was part of the government’s efforts to support vulnerable women and promote economic empowerment.
The Kano State Government allocated about N300 million for the latest phase of the programme. Each bride received N200,000 as dowry in addition to financial support to establish small-scale businesses.
The Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, said the programme was designed to provide social and economic support for widows and other eligible beneficiaries.
Daurawa urged the newly married couples to uphold the values of marriage and contribute to peaceful families and society.
“I advise all the couples to fear Allah, respect one another and build stable families that will contribute positively to the development of society,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries was Haruna Bashir, who lost his wife and children in a terrorist attack in the Chiranci area of Kano.
Bashir married Nabila Kabiru Yunusa at the Juma’at Mosque of the Emir’s Palace in Kano.
The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, represented the bride’s family, while Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf stood in as Bashir’s guardian. The state government paid the N200,000 dowry.
Support For Survivors
Daurawa said the government had provided additional assistance to help Bashir rebuild his life after the tragedy.
“The Kano State Government provided additional support to Haruna Bashir to enable him recover from the devastating tragedy that claimed the lives of his wife and children,” Daurawa said.
He said Bashir was sponsored for Umrah and supported to participate in the Hajj pilgrimage. The government also allocated him a house at Amana City, Kano.
“These interventions are aimed at easing his emotional and psychological burden and helping him begin a new chapter in life.” He explained
One of the beneficiaries, Musbahu Abdullahi, thanked the state government for the initiative.
“We are grateful to the Kano State Government for giving us this opportunity. I promise to treat my wife with love, care and responsibility,” Abdullahi stated.
The ceremony ended with prayers for lasting peace, stability and unity in Kano State and Nigeria.
