Kano Cracks Down On Wedding ‘After-Parties’

The Kano State Censorship Board has announced the immediate suspension of activities known as “after-party” and “hot challenge” at weddings and other social events held in event centres across the state.

The directive was announced on Saturday by the Executive Secretary of the board, Abba El-Mustapha, in a statement signed by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Sulaiman.

According to the board, the decision followed concerns over the growing popularity of the activities, which it described as Western cultural practices increasingly being introduced into wedding celebrations in Kano.

The board said the suspension was aimed at protecting the state’s cultural, moral and religious values, adding that it forms part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with regulations guiding the operations of masters of ceremony (MCs) and event centres.

It stated that the move aligns with its mandate to regulate entertainment activities and ensure public events are conducted in line with Kano’s cultural and religious norms.

While reaffirming its support for responsible entertainment at weddings and other ceremonies, the board stressed that such activities must promote morality, respect local traditions and conform to religious teachings.

The board directed event centre operators, MCs, event planners and other stakeholders to comply with the directive, warning that violators could face legal sanctions under the relevant laws.

It also urged residents to report any event centre or MC found organising or promoting the banned activities, noting that reports should relate only to incidents occurring within Kano State.