Zamfara government to sponsor mass wedding for 200 orphans

The government of Zamfara State has finalised plans to conduct a mass wedding for over 200 orphans.

The Zamfara State Zakkat and Endowment Board Executive Secretary, Malam Habibu Balarabe, disclosed this to journalists in Gusau.

He said the ceremony is scheduled for Monday, November 23, 2025, at the Board’s premises.

The board’s secretary noted that all beneficiaries for the mass wedding have been screened and selected.

In addition to the wedding programme, the Board will also provide grants to 200 women engaged in small-scale businesses to support and expand their livelihoods.

Balarabe stated that 100 women have completed a three-week poultry farming training programme and will receive starter packs to begin their ventures.

He added that the Board has also made arrangements to settle selected debt cases in Shari’ah Courts and correctional centres across the state.

The executive secretary further announced that some orphans have undergone computer literacy training and will receive starter packs during the ceremony.

Mass weddings are not new in northern Nigeria, and in recent years, they’ve become a way for leaders and communities to support vulnerable families.

In February 2025, Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris sponsored the wedding of 300 couples, covering all dowries, bout N54 million.

The ceremony took place at the Emir of Gwandu’s palace and drew top dignitaries, including APC National Chairman Abdullahi Ganduje and the Emir of Gwandu.

Clerics officiated the marriages after each bride’s N180,000 dowry was paid. Couples also received financial gifts, including N50,000 from the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning and more support from lawmakers.

Similarly, in 2024, Rep. Abdulmalik Zubairu sponsored the wedding of 105 orphans and underprivileged brides, many of whom lost their parents to banditry.

He paid their dowries, provided household items, and supported both brides and grooms with cash to help them start small businesses.

These initiatives were aimed at easing hardship, supporting victims of insecurity, and helping young couples build stable homes.