The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, has announced plans to marry off 100 female orphans in the state, saying he was “concerned with” their growing number as a result of activities of banditry,
The female orphans whose ages were yet to be disclosed reportedly lost their parents to banditry attacks in the Mariga Local Government Area.
Addressing reporters in Minna, Niger State capital, Sarkindaji, who represents the Mariga State Constituency, disclosed that he would pay the dowries for the bridegrooms as part of his constituency project.
According to him, all necessary materials for the marriage ceremony schedule for May 24 at Bangi, the headquarters of Mariga Local Government Area, had been procured.
According to Daily Trust, he revealed that 100 girls who would be married off were carefully selected from the 170 girls whose names were submitted.
The Speaker, described the initiative as part of his constituency empowerment project, “aimed at alleviating the suffering of the impoverished.”
Sarkindaji, however, noted that the Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umar Bago, and the Emir of Kontagora, Alhaji Mohammed Barau, would serve as guardians to the female orphans during the mass marriage ceremony.
Expected to attend the ceremony is the Kano State Commander General of the Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Daurawa.
