Sokoto State Governor Ahmed Aliyu has warned that his administration will no longer tolerate extravagance in pre-wedding activities, saying the rising culture of costly ceremonies is keeping young people from getting married.
The governor made the pledge on Sunday while commissioning the remodelled Zawiyatu Sheikh Aliyu Bunza Jumu’at Mosque and Islamiyya School, stressing that excessive wedding demands are placing huge financial burdens on families and discouraging marriage.
“We will soon bring together relevant stakeholders to further review the existing law banning extravagance in pre-wedding activities in the state,” Governor Aliyu said.
He lamented that, despite existing laws, some parents and guardians continue flaunting wealth during wedding preparations, and warned that immoral behaviour among youths is on the rise because many cannot afford to marry.
The governor called on parents, guardians, Islamic scholars, and traditional rulers to support full enforcement of the law.
Governor Aliyu also reaffirmed his commitment to Islamic development in Sokoto through mosque renovations, Islamiyya schools, and support for Qur’anic teachers, Imams, and preachers.
Sheikh Aminu Wali Ayu Zuru, the Special Guest of Honour, praised the governor’s massive investments in Islamic institutions, saying, “I am overwhelmed by the number of Jumu’ah mosques Your Excellency has reconstructed and remodelled in the last two years.”
Representing the Sultan of Sokoto, Wazirin Sokoto, Professor Sambo Wali Junaid, described the governor’s Islamic policies as “impactful and visible across the state,” adding, “You have followed the path of the founders of the Sokoto Caliphate in Islamic propagation. Please keep it up.”
Commissioner for Religious Affairs, Jabir Sani Mai Hulla, revealed that several mosques are at various stages of completion, while training workshops for Imams, Mu’azzins, and Islamic preachers are ongoing.
The event concluded with Sheikh Aminu Wali Ayu Zuru commissioning the remodelled mosque and leading a two-rak‘ah Jumu’ah prayer.
