Over the past week, the vibrant city of Kano, in northern Nigeria, has been enveloped in a riot of color and excitement as 1,500 couples participated in a mass wedding sponsored by the Kano state government. The event, which culminated in a wedding breakfast hosted by Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, aimed to support low-income individuals who cannot afford the financial costs associated with traditional marriages. The annual initiative, initiated in 2012, offers essential household items and financial assistance for small-scale entrepreneurship. However, the city's Islamic police force, the Hisbah, is tasked with vetting applicants to ensure they are genuine couples and not fraudsters seeking benefits. The popular event attracted 5,000 applications this year, due in part to Nigeria's struggling economy fueling desperation among applicants. Despite allegations of bribery and fraudulent applications, the Hisbah assures that the entire process is free and emphasizes its commitment to maintaining integrity in the selection process. One successful groom, Rabiu Yusuf, expressed his satisfaction with the smooth application process, having met his bride-to-be Aisha Auwal at his clothing shop.