The Zamfara State Government has sponsored the marriages of 200 underprivileged women—comprising widows and orphans—as part of its 2025 social welfare programme implemented through the Zakkat and Endowment Board.
The event, which took place on Monday, served as the grand finale of the board’s fourth-quarter initiatives that also included debt relief assistance, business grants, poultry training, and digital literacy programmes.
Speaking at the ceremony, the state’s First Lady, Huriyya Dauda Lawal, said the mass wedding supports the government’s commitment to improving the lives of vulnerable residents and promoting their social well-being.
The First Lady noted that her office contributed household essentials to help the beneficiaries begin their marriages with dignity.
“For the fourth quarter alone, the board has rolled out multiple interventions.
“We also provided assistance to individuals with debt-related cases in Shari’ah courts and correctional centres, business grants of ₦50,000 for small-scale traders, and poultry starter packs for trainees beginning their own ventures,” she said, listing support that included furniture, bedding and a ₦200,000 dowry for each of the 200 brides.
She added that 10 orphans and children from low-income homes had received computer training and mini laptops to enhance their educational prospects.
“These efforts mirror our collective vision for a more empowered and resilient Zamfara State,” the First Lady said.
Executive Secretary of the Zakkat and Endowment Board, Habib Balarabe, explained that the mass wedding is one of several strategies designed to combat poverty and discourage street begging.
“This initiative is targeted at the most vulnerable people in the state.
“Beyond the wedding, we are providing business support so these women and their families can build stable homes and rely less on handouts,” he said.
One of the beneficiaries, 17-year-old Zainab Mohammed, thanked the state government.
When asked about her decision, she said she chose to get married rather than continue with her education.
“I am grateful to God and to the government. I’m very happy. I’m not an orphan, but I prefer marriage to going back to school,” she said.
Along with furniture items, each couple also received ₦30,000 in cash to support their new households.
Meanwhile, trainees who completed poultry production classes were presented with starter kits to help them launch small-scale poultry businesses.
