A CATHOLIC BISHOP in Kontagora Diocese, Dr. Bulus Yohanna has married off 21 couples in a mass wedding at St. Mark Catholic Church in Nsanji Nkoso, Magama Local Government Area of Niger State.
The wedding, which drew couples that had completed their traditional marriage rite and underwent three months of marriage counselling, took place in Magama Area of Niger State.
“The ceremony was necessary to ensure that the couples were properly married in the eyes of the church”, Yohanna said.
He emphasized that until a couple is joined together in marriage legally and blessed in the church, it is wrong to cohabit. The bishop encouraged the couples to build their marriages on love and companionship, stressing that marriage is a lifetime commitment.
One of the couples, Mr. and Mrs. Cyprian Uche, expressed their gratitude to the bishop for helping them formalize their union. The couple, who had been cohabiting for 22 years and have five children, said they were excited to finally be officially married.
READ ALSO: Ebonyi Governor Gifts Military of Taking Cash, Cars to Halt IPOB Sit-At-Home Order
Mrs. Uche noted that she was now eligible to hold positions in the women’s fellowship, which she had been unable to do previously.
The parish priest, Rev. Fr. Francis Joshua, disclosed that the couples had undergone rigorous counselling and had met all the requirements before being joined in holy matrimony.
He praised the bishop for his commitment to ensuring that the couples were properly married and encouraged them to remain faithful to their vows.
100 Orphans Married Off: First Time In Niger State
The Explainer noted that this is not the first time that a mass wedding would be conducted in the state. BBC reported last year that Orphans were married off in Niger State after a mass wedding outcry.
The wedding which included 100 young women and orphans took place in separate ceremonies following widespread outrage in the country.
However, Women’s Affairs Minister Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye filed a court order to halt the mass wedding inciting that some girls were underage
She went back on that decision after reaching an agreement with the Speaker of the Niger State Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, who supported the mass wedding, for the young women to have individual ceremonies.
“I did not intend to stop the marriage but to ensure the girls are of marriageable age and were not being forced into it,” Ms Kennedy-Ohanenye said in a statement.
Kano Conducted Mass Wedding For 1,800 Couples
Similarly, a mass wedding was also organised in Kano State as Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf wedded no fewer than 1800 couples.
Vanguard reported that the mass wedding held at Emir Palace in Kano was also graced by dignitaries such National Leader of the New Nigeria People’s Party, NNPP, Dr. Rabi’u Kwankwaso and other prominent personalities.
READ MORE: Woman kills Her Husband With Pestle In Niger State
Chief Imam of Kano, Professor Sani Zahraddeen, presided over the wedding which saw the sum of N50,000 paid as dowry on behalf of each groom to their bride.
Speaking at the event, Governor Yusuf said the event was a testament to the state’s dedication to promoting cultural traditions and social cohesion while providing couples with a memorable and cost-effective way to formalize their unions.
He said the festivities will continue on Saturday with ceremonies “Walima” (traditional feast) scheduled to take place at the Government House.
He said the mass wedding initiative not only strengthened the bonds between couples but also underscored the commitment of Kano State to support its citizens and celebrate the institution of marriage.
“The event reflects the deep-rooted values and unity of the people in Kano State and highlights the state government’s dedication to preserving traditions while ensuring a bright future for its residents,” Governor Yusuf said.
Kebbi Gov Approved N54 Million For Dowry As He Conducted Mass Wedding 300 Persons
Earlier this month, Kebbi State finalised its plans to sponsor a mass wedding of 600 individuals, comprising 300 grooms and 300 brides with each couple gulping N180,000 as dowry payment.
Channels TV reported that the chairman of the Mass wedding committee, Suleman Argungu, revealed that screening committees have been sey up to ensure that all selected couples meet the required criteria.
According to Argungu, the screening process will include pre-marital health checks and an assessment of the groom’s employment or trade status to ensure he is capable of providing for his wife.
He further stated that the initiative targets orphans, widows, and people with special needs, irrespective of their tribe or religious background.
