Kano bans ‘after-party’, ‘hot challenge’ at weddings, social events

The Kano State Censorship Board has banned activities popularly known as “after-party” and “hot challenge” at weddings and other social events held in event centres across the state.

The directive takes immediate effect, according to a statement issued on Saturday by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Sulaiman, on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Abba El-Mustapha.

The board said the decision followed concerns over the increasing popularity of the activities, which it described as foreign cultural practices gradually finding their way into wedding celebrations in Kano.

It noted that the ban forms part of ongoing efforts to enforce regulations governing masters of ceremony (MCs), event centres and other entertainment-related activities in the state.

According to the statement, the measure is intended to preserve Kano’s cultural, moral and religious values while ensuring that public celebrations are conducted in line with acceptable standards.

The board maintained that it is not opposed to entertainment at weddings and other ceremonies, provided such activities promote decency, respect local traditions and conform to religious teachings.

It directed event centre operators, MCs, event planners and other stakeholders to comply fully with the directive, warning that anyone found organising or promoting the prohibited activities could face legal action under the laws establishing the board.

The board also appealed to residents to support the enforcement of the directive by reporting any event centre or MC engaging in the banned activities, stressing that such reports should concern incidents occurring within Kano State.