Nigeria's Minister of State for Defence, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, is preparing for a landmark family event as he sets to marry off nine of his children in a single, grand ceremony in the nation's capital.
Grand Ceremony Details and Preparations
The historic joint wedding is scheduled to take place at the Abuja Central Mosque on February 6, 2026, by 1:30 p.m. Invitation cards for the occasion have already begun circulating on social media, confirming the long-anticipated event.
The children to be wed include five sons and four daughters. Their names, as listed on the invitation, are Ibrahim, Suraj, Safiya, Maryam, Aisha, Fahad, Muh’d, Nana Firdausi, and Farida.
Confirming the development, Yusuf Idris, the spokesperson for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, stated that arrangements have reached an advanced stage. "By the grace of God, the ceremony will be conducted at the Abuja Central Mosque on February 6," Idris said. He also revealed his involvement, adding, "I am among the committee members for this great occasion, and as I speak to you now, arrangements have reached an advanced stage to ensure a smooth ceremony."
Family Background and Political Context
Bello Matawalle, who served as the Governor of Zamfara State from 2019 to 2023, is married to four wives: Aisha, Balkisu, Fatimah, and Sadiya Matawalle. It is not publicly known which of the minister's wives are the mothers of the nine children set to marry.
The announcement of the family celebration comes amidst a period of scrutiny for the Defence Minister. Some political commentators have recently called for his removal from the sensitive defence portfolio. These calls reference past comments made by Matawalle, while he was governor, which were perceived by critics as sympathetic to bandits operating in Zamfara State.
Political stakeholder Josef Onoh and commentator Hamma-Ahmed Hayatu are among those who have suggested that an alleged 'bandit sympathiser' is not fit to lead in the Defence Ministry, especially following the recent resignation of the former Minister of Defence, Mohammed Abubakar Badaru. Hayatu emphasized that national security requires individuals with a deep understanding of Nigeria's complex security terrain.
A Celebration Amidst Public Scrutiny
The upcoming wedding presents a significant personal milestone for the Matawalle family, drawing considerable public and media attention due to its scale and the high-profile status of the minister. The event is poised to be a major social gathering in Abuja, bringing together family, friends, political associates, and well-wishers.
While the family prepares for the joyous occasion, the minister continues to navigate his role in one of the country's most critical ministries. The juxtaposition of a lavish family celebration with ongoing security challenges and political debates highlights the complex intersection of public duty and private life for Nigeria's political elite.
All eyes will now be on the Federal Capital Territory as final preparations are made for what promises to be one of the most notable wedding ceremonies of the year.
