Mubarak Bala Blows Hot, Faults Kano Mass Wedding Plan for 3,000 Couples

_By Secular Advocacy TV_News Desk |

Globally celebrated Nigerian Humanist and Human Rights Activist Mubarak Bala has raised alarm, criticised the Kano State Government’s plan to hold a mass wedding for 3,000 couples, saying the policy neglects education and empowerment for women and girls.

 

The Kano State Hisbah Board is credited to be body that will this week conduct mandatory medical screenings for 3,000 prospective couples ahead of the state-sponsored mass wedding. The tests include HIV, hepatitis, genotype, and pregnancy screening.

 

Reacting on his official Facebook handle, Bala wrote: “More arranged weddings, more babies, skill acquisition centers? None. Classes? Empowerment? Education? No. Lock up the young girls under men to rule over.”

 

Kano State officials say the mass wedding program helps widows, divorcees, and low-income residents who cannot afford marriage expenses. Hisbah Commander Sheikh Aminu Daurawa said the medical checks are to ensure healthy unions and prevent the spread of diseases.

 

Bala, who was released in 2024 after four years in detention on blasphemy-related charges, argued that state resources should prioritise “skill acquisition centers,” “classes,” and “education” over “arranged weddings.”

 

Mass weddings have been held by successive Kano administrations since 2012. Rights advocates have previously flagged concerns about age verification and informed consent, especially for younger participants.

 

The Child Rights Act, which sets 18 as the minimum age for marriage, was domesticated by Kano State in 2023. UNICEF data from 2024 shows 44% of girls in Nigeria are married before 18, with higher prevalence in the Northwest.

 

The Kano State Government had not responded to Bala’s statement as of press time.