The Kano State Hisba Board has announced that preparations have begun for a mass wedding involving no fewer than 2,000 couples, after a directive from Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.

According to the Deputy Commander-General of the Hisba Board, Sheikh Mujahid Aminudeen, said the process will begin with registration and compulsory medical screening for all intending couples.

“All prospective couples interested in the wedding must register before participating.

“The medical screening which includes tests for HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis, genotype, and drug use is mandatory, and anyone who fails to undergo it will be disqualified.”

He explained that the screening is aimed at ensuring the health and safety of participants, as well as preventing future marital and medical complications.

“All prospective couples interested in the wedding must register before participating in the state-planned mass wedding.

The medical screening is also part of the prerequisite arrangement of the mass wedding proceedings, and its compulsory because anybody who fails to present himself or herself for the screening will be automatically disqualified,” he said.

Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf reintroduced the mass wedding scheme as part of efforts to support girls and women, including widows and divorcees, as well as spinsters whose parents want to marry them off but lack the wherewithal to shoulder the responsibility or cost of preparing the process.

The reintroduction of mass weddings in Kano State aims to check prostitution and other social vices, especially among divorcees, widows and spinsters in the state.