The Kano State Government has officially reached out to the spiritual leadership of the state, urging Imams of Friday congregational mosques to utilize their pulpits to combat the growing wave of misinformation surrounding the state’s mass wedding programme. During a strategic meeting held on Monday with the Kano Friday Mosques Youth Organisation, the State Commissioner for Information and Internal Affairs, Comrade Ibrahim Abdullahi Waiya, emphasized that religious leaders are essential partners in maintaining social harmony. He stressed that the government relies on the influence of Imams and Islamic scholars to clarify the objectives of the initiative and dispel false narratives that could inadvertently stir public tension or misunderstanding.
A significant portion of the Commissioner’s address focused on the deliberate misrepresentation of the wedding programme on social media platforms. Specifically, he addressed the circulation of photographs featuring elderly men, which have been deceptively captioned to suggest they were beneficiaries of the mass marriage scheme. Commissioner Waiya clarified that these individuals were actually retired members of the Hisbah Corps who were in attendance as observers or guests, not as grooms. By debunking these images, the government hopes to curb the spread of malicious rumours and ensure that the public understands the genuine nature and scope of the humanitarian effort, which is designed to support young couples and stabilize family units.
The government underscored that religious leaders hold a unique and privileged position to guide public opinion and ensure that government policies are accurately interpreted by the populace. According to Commissioner Waiya, the mass wedding initiative is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the social fabric of Kano State by providing institutional support to those wishing to enter matrimony. He urged the Imams to encourage their congregations to be discerning consumers of information and to reject the consumption of misleading digital content. By fostering a culture of accurate information sharing, the government believes that the religious community can help preserve the integrity of state-led welfare programmes.
During the meeting, the leadership of the Kano Friday Mosques Youth Organisation expressed its firm commitment to the administration of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf. The leader of the group, Imam Gwani Sani Tilo, lauded the governor for his dedication to the welfare of Kano residents and his focus on initiatives that resonate with the values of the Muslim community. Imam Tilo took the opportunity to announce the organization’s political realignment, confirming that they have joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support Governor Yusuf. He highlighted that the group has been a consistent part of the political movement that brought the current administration to power and remains dedicated to supporting its developmental agenda.
Expanding on this support, Imam Zubairu Al-Muhammadi articulated the group’s intent to mobilize for the governor’s success in the 2027 gubernatorial election. He pointed to Governor Yusuf’s personal character, his tangible commitment to public service, and the various development projects already underway as the primary motivators for their political loyalty. Imam Al-Muhammadi noted that these initiatives are demonstrably improving the living standards of the average resident, thereby justifying their continued endorsement of the government’s vision. For the organization, the partnership is not merely political but ideological, rooted in a shared desire to see the state prosper under current leadership.
The meeting concluded on a note of collaborative optimism, with both the government and the religious leaders renewing their pledge to work together for the progress of the state. The dialogue served as a platform to formalize a partnership centered on peace, unity, and responsible communication. By aligning the administrative goals of the government with the moral and social influence of the mosque, officials hope to create a more resilient information environment. Ultimately, the government remains confident that this alliance will not only safeguard the reputation of its social programmes but also contribute to the long-term sustainable development and social cohesion of Kano State.