Women minister makes U-turn, backs Niger mass wedding

The Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye has thrown her weight behind the proposed mass wedding of orphans in Niger State.

The minister, Thursday, also announced scholarships and gave various gift items to the 100 prospective brides.

The mass wedding is being sponsored by the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji.

The minister had earlier kicked against the mass wedding of the young girls, citing violation of the  Child Rights Act. 

The Speaker also received the backing of the Niger State Council of Imams and the Muslim Rights Concern, which both warned the minister to steer clear of the mass wedding, which they insisted must go on as scheduled.

While clearing the air over the controversy, the minister, represented by her Special Assistant on Private Sector,  Adaji Usman, was in Niger to announce scholarships for the girls.

The minister, through Usman, presented 10 Point of Sale machines, 100 wrappers and 350 bags of 10kg bags of rice. 

 She announced a scholarship to university level for any of the girls who wish to go to school.