Government-backed programme aims to strengthen family values and reduce divorce rates across the state
By Yahaya Jinjiri | Katsina, Nigeria – April 10, 2026
The Katsina State Government, in partnership with the Al-Usra Marital Support Foundation, has commenced intensive pre-marital counselling for about 1,000 intending couples ahead of a planned mass wedding scheduled for later this month.
The training exercise, held across Katsina, Daura, and Funtua zones, forms part of preparations for the “Auren Gata” mass wedding initiative set for April 25.
According to the organisers, the programme is designed to equip participants with essential knowledge and skills needed to build stable and sustainable marriages.
Chairperson of the foundation, Dr Murjanatu Ibrahim-Duwan, said the initiative targets 2,000 individuals (1,000 couples) and is focused on strengthening family values while addressing rising cases of divorce in society.
She explained that participants were screened by the state Ministry of Women Affairs to ensure eligibility and readiness for marriage before being admitted into the programme.
Zonal Training Structure
The counselling sessions were structured across three centres—Katsina, Daura, and Malumfashi—to ensure accessibility for participants from different locations across the state.
Organisers said the decentralised arrangement was intended to improve participation and ensure effective delivery of the training modules.
Strengthening Family Stability
The initiative, according to stakeholders, is part of broader efforts by the state government to promote social stability by preparing couples for the realities of married life through guided counselling and mentorship.










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