The Centre for Legal Orientation and Humanitarian Aid Initiative (CELOHA Nigeria) in partnership with the Kano Accountability Project (KAP) has expressed concern over the recent allocation of N1.06 billion for the “Auren Zawarawa” (Marriage Support for Widows and Divorcees) programme by the Kano State Government.
In a statement signed by Aysha Mohd, Communication Associate of CELOHA Nigeria, the organisations acknowledged the government’s intention to promote social welfare but argued that the initiative may not yield sustainable socio-economic benefits for the people of Kano State.
“While we acknowledge the State Government’s intention to promote social welfare and alleviate hardship among vulnerable women, we are concerned that allocating such a significant amount of public funds to mass wedding sponsorship may not result in sustainable socio-economic benefits for the people of Kano State,” the statement read.
The groups urged the state government to reconsider the allocation and redirect the funds toward strengthening the state’s Primary Health Care (PHC) system, which they said faces numerous challenges including inadequate equipment, shortages of qualified health personnel, and poor maternal care infrastructure.
“We strongly believe that this same amount, if redirected toward strengthening the Primary Health Care system, would have a far more meaningful and lasting impact on the lives of women, children, and families across the state,” the statement added.
According to CELOHA and KAP, investing in health care would directly save lives, reduce maternal and infant mortality, and promote healthier living conditions, particularly in rural communities.
The organisations also called on the government to focus on sustainable women’s empowerment through skills acquisition, micro-enterprise funding, and reproductive health education, which they noted offer long-term economic benefits.
“We remain confident in your administration’s commitment to accountability, transparency, and human development, and we urge you to consider this appeal in the interest of the greater good of the people of Kano State,” the statement concluded.
The Auren Zawarawa programme, recently announced by the Kano State Government, has continued to attract public debate over its cost and priority in light of the state’s growing social and economic challenges.