The Kano State Hisbah Board has said it will commence medical screening for 3,000 prospective couples ahead of a planned mass wedding in the state.

The Deputy Commander-General of the board, Sheikh Mujahedeen Aminudeen, disclosed this in a telephone interview with our sources on Friday.

He said the exercise would involve 1,500 men and 1,500 women selected for the programme.

According to him, the screening is aimed at determining the health status of the couples before the marriages are conducted.

He added that the tests would include HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, genotype and drug screening.

Aminudeen explained that the mass wedding initiative is being organised by the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Yusuf.

He said the beneficiaries, largely drawn from less-privileged backgrounds, include widows, divorcees and spinsters.

The deputy commander-general noted that the state government would provide support for the couples, including payment of dowry and other items.

“Each bride is expected to receive a set of beds with mattresses and pillows, as well as N100,000 cash to start up a business of her own after collecting N100,000 dowry from the government,” he said.

Aminudeen added that participation in the medical screening is mandatory, warning that any prospective couple who fails to undergo the exercise would be disqualified.

The mass wedding programme was introduced during the administration of former Kano State governor Rabiu, Musa Kwankwaso, as part of efforts to support vulnerable women and curb social challenges in the state.