Sokoto State Govt to ban extravagant pre-wedding ceremonies, says rising marriage costs contribute to growing number of unmarried men and women

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu, has announced plans to strictly enforce a state law banning extravagant pre-wedding activities, warning that rising marriage costs are discouraging young people from settling down.

Governor Aliyu made the announcement on Friday while commissioning the remodelled Zawiyatu Sheikh Aliyu Bunza Jumu’at Mosque and Islamiyya School in Sokoto.

He said many families now demand costly pre-wedding ceremonies and displays that place heavy financial burdens on prospective couples, noting that the trend is contributing to a growing number of unmarried men and women in the state. 

According to the Governor, some parents and guardians routinely flout the law, prompting the government to convene stakeholders to review the regulations and ensure full compliance.

Aliyu also argued that the high cost of marriage is pushing some youths into immoral behaviour, calling on Islamic scholars, traditional rulers, parents and guardians to support the enforcement drive.

The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to promoting Islamic affairs through mosque construction and renovation, Islamiyya schools, and support for Qur’anic teachers, Imams and preachers.