Katsina: The Katsina State Government, in collaboration with an NGO, Al-Usra Marital Support Foundation, organized an intensive pre-marital counselling and training for about 1,000 intending couples. The exercise, held in Katsina, Daura, and Funtua Zones, was part of preparations for a mass wedding, ‘Auren Gata’, an initiative of the state government, scheduled for April 25.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Chairperson of the Foundation, Dr. Murjanatu Ibrahim-Duwan, stated that the training aimed to strengthen family values and reduce divorce in society. The foundation partnered with relevant authorities to prepare 2,000 individuals for the planned mass wedding. Ibrahim-Duwan emphasized that the initiative was designed to equip the intending couples with the necessary knowledge and skills to build stable and successful marriages.
The couples were screened by the state’s Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure their readiness for marriage. The training sessions were divided into three zones-Malumfashi, Daura, and Katsina-allowing participants from different locations to attend conveniently. Ibrahim-Duwan explained that the training focused on educating couples about their responsibilities to one another and the importance of mutual understanding in marriage. The sessions also provided guidance on Islamic perspectives on marriage, conflict resolution, and maintaining harmony in the home.
Participants would receive certificates, which would serve as a requirement for participation in the mass wedding. The Ministry of Women Affairs compiled and verified the list of screened couples after conducting medical tests and other necessary evaluations. Ibrahim-Duwan expressed optimism that the initiative would significantly reduce marital disputes and strengthen family institutions in the state.
Earlier, the Hisbah Commander in the state, Dr. Aminu Usman (Abu Ammar), mentioned that this initiative, the first in the state, would help reduce immorality. He said the state government would provide the couples with necessary support for marriage and capital for the groom to start a business. Usman also noted that after the wedding, the board would continue to monitor the couples to ensure a harmonious marriage.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs, Aisha Aminu-Malumfashi, explained that the initiative aimed to prevent beneficiaries, especially women, from falling into immorality. Represented by Amina Sada-Mashi, the spokesperson of the ministry, the commissioner highlighted that beneficiaries underwent thorough screening, including tests for genotype, HIV, and other health issues.