The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has announced plans to facilitate the marriage of 100 female orphans in the state, citing concerns over their increasing numbers due to banditry activities.
The female orphans, whose ages were not specified, reportedly lost their parents in banditry attacks in the Mariga Local Government Area. Speaking in Minna, the capital of Niger State, Sarkindaji, representing the Mariga State Constituency, revealed his intention to cover the dowries for the bridegrooms as part of his constituency project.
He stated that all necessary arrangements for the marriage ceremony, scheduled for May 24 in Bangi, the headquarters of Mariga Local Government Area, had been made. Daily Trust reported that 100 girls were selected from a pool of 170 names submitted.
Describing the initiative as part of his constituency empowerment project aimed at alleviating poverty, Sarkindaji highlighted the involvement of Niger State Governor Mohammed Umar Bago and Emir of Kontagora Alhaji Mohammed Barau as guardians to the female orphans during the mass marriage ceremony.
The ceremony is expected to be attended by the Kano State Commander General of the Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa.