Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has called on the government to support mass marriage programmes with public funds, arguing that such intervention could help address some social challenges facing the country.
Gumi said government involvement in marriage arrangements should not be viewed as a waste of public resources, stressing that supporting young people to establish families could contribute to social stability.
The cleric made the remarks on Thursday, while discussing the rising number of unmarried youths and the economic difficulties that make it difficult for many to settle down.
He argued that government-funded mass marriage initiatives could provide financial relief for prospective couples and reduce some of the social pressures associated with prolonged economic hardship.
Gumi urged authorities to consider policies that would make marriage more affordable for young Nigerians, particularly those facing financial difficulties.
“In Shariah law-driven state, where prostitution, fornication, adultery, and promiscuity are prohibited by both divine and state laws, using public funds to facilitate the marriage of women who are in excess of the available pool of eligible men, or of any young person in dire need of marriage, is a legitimate and responsible component of good governance.” he wrote.
He maintained that strengthening families should be treated as part of broader efforts to promote social stability and address challenges affecting communities.
