THE Katsina State Government, in collaboration with the Al-Usra Marital Support Foundation, has commenced intensive pre-marital counselling and training for about 1,000 intending couples ahead of a planned mass wedding in the state.
News Point Nigeria reports that the exercise, held across Katsina, Daura, and Funtua zones, forms part of preparations for the mass wedding programme known as Auren Gata, an initiative of the state government scheduled for April 25.
Speaking on the development, the Chairperson of the foundation, Murjanatu Ibrahim-Duwan, said the training was designed to strengthen family values and reduce cases of divorce within the society.
She explained that the foundation is working in partnership with relevant authorities to prepare the couples—representing about 2,000 individuals—for the forthcoming mass wedding.
According to Ibrahim-Duwan, the initiative aims to equip the intending couples with the necessary knowledge and skills required to build stable and successful marriages.
She disclosed that the participants had earlier undergone screening by the state Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure they are fit and ready for marriage.
To enhance accessibility, the training sessions were divided into three zones—Malumfashi, Daura, and Katsina—allowing participants from different locations to conveniently attend.
“The training is to prepare the couples for a successful married life by educating them on their responsibilities to one another and the importance of mutual understanding in marriage,” she said.
She added that the sessions also provided guidance on Islamic perspectives on marriage, conflict resolution, and strategies for maintaining harmony within the home.
Ibrahim-Duwan further noted that participants would be issued certificates upon completion, which would serve as a prerequisite for participation in the mass wedding.
She also explained that the Ministry of Women Affairs compiled and verified the list of screened couples after conducting medical tests and other necessary evaluations.
Expressing optimism, she said the initiative would go a long way in reducing marital disputes and strengthening family institutions across the state.
Earlier, the Hisbah Commander in the state, Aminu Usman (Abu Ammar), described the programme as the first of its kind in the state, noting that it would help curb immorality.
He added that the state government would provide the couples with the necessary support for marriage, including capital for the groom to start a business.
Usman also disclosed that the Hisbah board would continue to monitor the couples after the wedding to ensure peaceful and successful marriages.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Aisha Aminu-Malumfashi, said the initiative is aimed at preventing beneficiaries, particularly women, from falling into immoral practices.
Represented by the ministry’s spokesperson, Amina Sada-Mashi, the commissioner added that the beneficiaries underwent thorough screening, including genotype tests, HIV checks, and other health-related assessments, as part of preparations for the programme.