Emir of Zazzau Urges Families to Cut Wedding Costs and Help the Poor

The Emir of Zazzau, Ahmed Bamalli, has urged Nigerian families to rethink their big spending on weddings.

He made this call on Sunday at the 20th anniversary of the Crystal Muslim Organisation (CMO) in Abuja. He highlighted the rising trend of spending heavily on aso-ebi and bridal makeup.

Mr Bamalli advised families to use that money to support the less privileged in society, according to Daily Trust.

He said: “You will see our people spending millions of Naira for just cosmetics if a girl is getting married. Some parents even spend up to $10,000 on this makeup. Or they buy asoebi for half a million Naira, N200,000 or N300,000, which I think is totally unacceptable.

“There are so many people on the streets who cannot even feed themselves three square meals a day. This spending culture is rampant in our society. Some of us have taken a stand. For me, I have never spent a dime on asoebi or makeup for weddings. If a mother chooses to do that, that’s her own choice. If anyone wants to do it, fine, but I won’t spend a dime on that.”

He pointed out that, given Nigeria’s current economic state, such lavish spending is not needed.

He encouraged families to teach their children to spend money on things that will help them grow and become self-reliant. He believes this will also help to bring communities together.

“They spend lavishly on parties that are not necessary. I’m not saying you shouldn’t celebrate, but we need to cut back. We have to be honest with ourselves.

“If you are living at the highest level while those around you can’t even afford three meals a day, then there is a problem. This situation is exposing us to dangers in our society,” Mr Bamalli added.

The Emir also suggested that Nigerians learn from the people in Thailand, who prefer simple weddings to flashy celebrations.

He said this approach has helped them to live well and create enough wealth to support their families comfortably.

The emir noted, “Where I served as a Nigerian envoy, in Thailand, what do they do? After graduating from university, they learn new skills. So when they return home or get married, they are prepared.

“Even if your husband decides he doesn’t want you to work in public office, you can still earn money from home to support the family.”

His comments come as Nigeria faces a worsening cost-of-living crisis, pushing many families into poverty.

Yet, wedding ceremonies across the nation continue to become more elaborate and costly.