RismadarVoice Reporters, July 29, 2026
The NANAS Foundation, in partnership with the Kebbi State Government, has successfully conducted the third edition of its annual mass wedding programme, with 300 couples joined in matrimony across the state.
Speaking at the ceremony, Kebbi State Governor, Dr Nasir Idris, congratulated the newly married couples and expressed satisfaction with the successful organisation of the event.
He lauded his wife, Dr Nafisa Nasir Idris, founder of the NANAS Foundation, for championing the initiative and pledged his administration’s continued support for the programme. The governor also appreciated Islamic scholars and the people of Kebbi State for their consistent support.
Dr Nafisa Nasir Idris said the annual mass wedding initiative was established to promote the teachings and tradition of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) while providing financial assistance to less-privileged individuals who may be unable to afford marriage expenses. According to her, the programme is also aimed at strengthening families and addressing social challenges associated with delayed marriages.
She commended the Chairman of the Main Organising Committee, Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, alongside members of the committee and other contributors, for ensuring the success of the event.
Group of Grooms sponsored by the governor
In separate goodwill messages, Alhaji Sulaiman Muhammad Argungu, Chief Dr Mujidat Folashade Tinubu, daughter of President Bola Tinubu, and the Kebbi State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hajiya Halima Hassan Kamba, lauded Governor Idris and Dr Nafisa for sustaining the initiative. They noted that all essential marriage items had been provided for the 300 couples.
Group of Brides picture
The Emir of Argungu, Alhaji Muhammad Sama’ila Mera, who represented the Emir of Gwandu and spoke on behalf of the four first-class emirs in Kebbi State, described the programme as a commendable initiative with significant religious and social value.
Islamic scholars, including Sheikh Ibrahim Wala, Sheikh Aliyu Abdulrashid Makarfi, Sheikh Abdulrahman Isa Jega, Dr Mujahid Aminu (representing Sheikh Abbas Jega), Prof. Mansur Sokoto and Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa, delivered sermons urging the newlyweds to build their homes on patience, mutual respect, understanding and responsibility.
The marriage rites were officiated by Islamic clerics led by Sheikh Mukhtar Abdullahi, the Walin Gwandu. Each bride received a dowry of N250,000, funded through contributions from Governor Nasir Idris, Senator Atiku Bagudu, and the wives of the governors of Katsina and Jigawa states.
A major highlight of the ceremony was a donation of N15 million by Dr Zainab Shinkafi Bagudu, wife of the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, in support of the mass wedding programme.
The event attracted a wide range of dignitaries, including ministers, senators, wives of governors, members of the Kebbi State House of Assembly, commissioners, APC leaders, members of the NANAS Foundation, the Elders Forum and other prominent guests.
