One thousand widows were Saturday handed over in marriage to their chosen husbands by the Kano State governor, Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, as part of government’s initiative to ameliorate social decadence and strengthen marriage institution in the state.

The marriage ceremony took place at the Kano central mosque, attached to the Emir’s palace in a celebration, which attracted people from all walks of life within and outside the country.

The event, which brought smiles to the faces of so many people, was coordinated by the state’s Hisbah Board. The state government in collaboration with a renown Kano business mogul, Sheikh Isyaka Rabi’u, who is the leader of Tijjaniyyah Islamic sect in Africa, paid the bride price on behalf of the husbands. N10,000 was given to each of the married women as their bride price.

Seventy-six widows’ hands were given out to their husbands at the central mosque, while 21 others were handed over to the husbands in each of the 44 local governments of the state, making a total of 1,000 widows.

The first batch of mass marriage took place last year when 250 widows were given out to their husbands. 100 widows were married off in the second batch and yesterday’s event was the third in the series.

Kwankwaso lamented that government was concerned about the plight of widows in the state, which was why his administration decided to look for avenues to reduce the number of widows.

“I want to leave a legacy behind that will be strong on women empowerment. We need to help our women in the little way we can,” he said.

Before the marriage was conducted, the prospective couples were screened for HIV/AIDS and other blood test at recognized hospitals to be sure of their health condition. After the marriage, the couples converged at the Government House for a get-together party.

Sani Saleh, one of the celebrants, commended the state government for taking up his responsibilities in realizing his long-held dream. “I don’t know how to thank this Godly-arranged Islamic activity that means a lot in my entire life,” he said.

Apart from the bride price, other materials given to the couples include beds, mattresses and kitchen utensils.

“I hope to be among the celebrants during the next batch. I have already sighted the lady I need as a wife. I saw her picture with the Hisbah Board. I just hope she will match with me when the time comes,” Suleiman Abubakar said.

Read more: The Guardian