The Kano State Government has earmarked N2 million for the payment of dowry for the first batch of 100 divorcees and widows to be given out in a planned group marriage.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the government plans to marry off 1, 000 widows and divorcees through the state Hisbah Board.
The group marriage is part of efforts by the government to curtail prostitution and other immoral acts among divorcees and widows in the state.
Alhaji Ali Baba, special adviser to the government on religious matters, disclosed this in Kano on Wednesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
“The government is to pay not less than N20, 000 as dowry for each of the 100 widows and divorcees who have been selected and screened for the marriage.''
Baba said the government also?earmarked substantial amount of money for other expenses like buying of beds, beddings and furniture to be distributed free to the prospective brides.
He attributed the delay in the planned marriage to non-release of the?funds earmarked for the project.
“The governor has given approval for the release of the money and as soon as it is done, the marriages will be solemnised.
“All the 100 widows and divorcees as well as their prospective grooms have been screened in accordance with the set conditions.
“Any moment from now the marriage ceremony will be conducted.''
The special adviser said the government organised a seminar recently for 150 imams that were selected from various Friday mosques in the state.
He said the government also organised a seminar for traders in the state as part of renewed efforts to sensitise them on the need to subsidise the cost of their goods, especially during festive periods. (NAN)