The Kano State Hisbah Board has said it will commence medical screening for 3,000 prospective couples ahead of a planned mass wedding in the state.

The Deputy Commander-General of the board, Sheikh Mujahedeen Aminudeen, disclosed this in a telephone interview, noting that the exercise will involve 1,500 men and 1,500 women selected for the programme.

He said the screening is aimed at determining the couples' health status before the marriages are conducted.

According to him, the tests will include HIV/AIDS, hepatitis, genotype, and drug screening.

Aminudeen explained that the mass wedding initiative is being organised by the Kano State Government under Governor Abba Yusuf.

He added that the beneficiaries, mostly from less-privileged backgrounds, include widows, divorcees, and spinsters.

The deputy commander-general said the state government would provide support for the couples, including payment of dowry and other items.

He noted that each bride is expected to receive a set of beds with mattresses and pillows, as well as N100,000 cash to start a business after receiving N100,000 dowry from the government.

Aminudeen stressed that participation in the medical screening is mandatory, warning that any prospective couple who fails to undergo the process would be disqualified.

The mass wedding programme was introduced during the administration of former Kano State governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as part of efforts to support vulnerable women and address social challenges in the state.