The Kano State Censorship Board announced the immediate suspension of activities known as after-party and hot challenge at wedding ceremonies and other social events held at event centres across the state.
Abba El-Mustapha, Executive Secretary of the board, made the announcement in a statement issued on Saturday by Abdullahi Sulaiman, the board’s Public Relations Officer. The measure formed part of ongoing efforts to ensure compliance with regulations governing masters of ceremony and event centres.
The statement explained that the board’s attention had been drawn to the growing trend of this activity. Officials described it as a Western cultural practice increasingly introduced into wedding celebrations in the state.
“Consequently, the board has suspended the practice in order to safeguard the cultural, moral and religious values of the people of Kano State,” the statement said.
Furthermore, the decision aligned with the board’s mandate to sanitise entertainment activities. Officials stressed that public events must follow the state’s cultural and religious values.
The board welcomed positive and responsible forms of entertainment at weddings and other social gatherings. Such activities must promote morality, respect the culture of the people and conform to religious teachings.
Entertainment remains an important aspect of ceremonies when conducted within acceptable ethical standards, the statement noted.
The board directed all event centres, masters of ceremony, event planners and other stakeholders involved in organising social events to comply fully with the directive. Any individual or organisation found violating the suspension may face appropriate legal sanctions under the laws enforced by the board.
In addition, the board called on residents to support its efforts by reporting any event centre or master of ceremony found engaging in or promoting the suspended activities. Such reports must relate to incidents occurring within Kano State.
Kamal Mas’ud, Chairman of the Kano Event Centres Owners and Planners Association, described the decision as timely. He pledged the association’s support for its implementation and urged event planners and centre owners to sensitise their clients on the ban.
