1,500 couples tie the knot at mass wedding in Nigeria

In northern Nigeria, 1,500 couples have tied the knot at a mass wedding organised by the state.

The two-day ceremony in Kano State was aimed at people who, for financial reasons, would otherwise struggle to afford a wedding.

According to the regional government, each bride received a dowry of 200,000 naira (US$147) as well as support to set up a small business. The couples were also given household items such as beds, mattresses and blankets.

Before the wedding, the couples underwent screening and received counselling.

This is the second time that Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has organised a mass wedding of this kind.

The government describes the programme as part of its social policy to support low-income families and promote social stability. Among the newlyweds are also people who have lost their families in violent attacks.