Rita Odafe
Kano State has set aside N2.5 billion for a series of mass weddings to be held quarterly across its 44 local governments in 2025.
This information was shared by the State Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Musa Shanono, during a presentation regarding the state’s recently approved budget for 2025 by the State House of Assembly.
Shanono explained that this mass wedding program is part of the N91.32 billion designated for governance and service delivery, which incorporates a range of social initiatives.
Additionally, N1 billion has been allocated for Ramadan meal programs, while N955 million will be focused on conducting surveys related to workforce statistics, general household data, and counting out-of-school children.
There is also an allocation of N1.049 billion for acquiring printing equipment, improving the overall water system, and upgrading the Government Printing Press library.
Other budget highlights include N267.6 million dedicated to infrastructure development, printing of the Islamic calendar, and supporting Islamic outreach programs, as well as welfare for new converts to Islam.
Furthermore, N589 million is earmarked for security research, initiatives to tackle street begging, and development programs aimed at empowerment.
Lastly, N200 million is reserved for purchasing office furniture and upgrading the Accountant-General’s office, along with funding for reforms in public financial management.
The total approved budget for 2025 stands at N719.75 billion, reflecting a 31% increase from the initial proposal of N549.16 billion by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf.
This budget allocates N262.67 billion for recurrent costs and N457.08 billion for capital projects, marking a significant 65% rise compared to last year’s budget, which saw an increase of N282.41 billion.
