Dare Babalola
Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has taken a remarkable step, marrying off nine of his children on the same day, in a ceremony that has drawn widespread attention and admiration across the nation.
The former Zamfara State Governor is married to four wives, Aisha, Balkisu, Fatima and Dadiya.
Details of the ceremony were contained in a general invitation circulated by Dan Jafaru Aleengoo Turakee, announcing the wedding fatiha for several of the minister’s sons and daughters on the same day.
The wedding ceremony of Matawalle’s sons and daughters is scheduled to take place on February 6, 2026, at the Central Mosque Abuja.
Separate invitation cards further revealed the identities of some of the couples. Hon. Nasiru Mu’azu Magarya, former Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, is set to marry Nana Bello Matawalle. Ibrahim Sahabi Liman will wed Farida Bello Matawalle, while Yazid Shehu Dan Fulani is to take Safiya Bello Matawalle as his bride. Umar Ibrahim Danmaliki is also scheduled to marry Aisha Bello Matawalle.
The unusual scale of the ceremony has drawn widespread public attention, with many Nigerians reacting to the announcement across social and political circles. The event is expected to attract prominent political figures, traditional rulers, and dignitaries from across the country, further underscoring Matawalle’s influence and standing in northern Nigeria’s political and social landscape.
