Author: Gist Correspondent

Abuja is bracing for what many have described as a “wedding marathon” as nine children of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, are set to walk down the aisle on the same day.

Arrangements are already in top gear for the historic multiple wedding ceremony, which has set social media buzzing after the invitation card surfaced online. The card, boldly adorned with the minister’s photograph, confirms that the nine weddings will take place at the Abuja Central Mosque by 1:30 pm on February 6.

According to the invitation, the lucky brides and grooms are Ibrahim, Suraj, Safiya, Maryam, Aisha, Fahad, Muh’d, Nana Firdausi and Farida—names that have since been jokingly referred to online as “Team February 6.”

Speaking to journalists, the spokesperson of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, Yusuf Idris, confirmed that the celebrants include five sons and four daughters, effectively turning one wedding into nine.

“By the grace of God, all nine marriages will be conducted on February 6 at the Abuja Central Mosque,” Idris said, adding with visible excitement that preparations are already at an advanced stage.

He noted that a committee has been put in place to manage the event, which is expected to test the stamina of guests, photographers, caterers and well-wishers alike.

“I am one of the committee members, and I can assure you that everything is being done to ensure a smooth ceremony,” he said.

With one venue, one date and nine couples saying “I do,” Abuja residents are already predicting heavy traffic around the Central Mosque, while social media users are calling it the “wedding of the year”—proof that in some families, love doesn’t just multiply, it comes in bulk.