Kano State Censorship Board has suspended the conduct of activities popularly known as “after-party” and “hot challenge” at weddings and other social events, marking another step in the state government’s efforts to tighten regulation of public celebrations.
The directives which takes immediate effect, was announced on Saturday July 25, 2026 by the Executive Secretary of the board, Abba El-Mustapha, through a statement signed by the board’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Suleiman.
According to the board, the activities are viewed as Western cultural practices that have increasingly become part of the wedding celebrations in Kano. It said the suspension is aimed at sanitising entertainment activities and ensuring public events align with the State’s cultural and religious standards.
“The attention of the board has been drawn to the growing trend of this activity, which is considered 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 reads.
The board maintained that while entertainment remains an important aspect of weddings and social gatherings, such activities must align with acceptable moral standards and respect the traditions and religious beliefs of the state.
It stressed that responsible entertainment would continue to be welcomed, provided it promotes decency and complies with existing regulations.
The board directed event centres, MCs, event planners and other stakeholders to comply with the order, warning that violators could face legal sanctions.
Residents were also urged to report any event centre or individual found promoting the banned activities within the state.
The latest directives adds to series of measures introduced by the board to regulate public celebrations in Kano.
In May 2026, the board banned the celebration of “Kauyawa Day”, a tradition commonly observed by women during wedding ceremonies, arguing that the practice no longer aligned with the state’s drive to preserve public morality and maintain social order.
As part of the enforcement, event centres were prohibited from hosting activities linked to Kauyawa Day, while security agencies, the Hisbah Board, local vigilante groups, traditional rulers, religious leaders and community organizations were enlisted to ensure compliance.
The board said those mesures were aimed at sanitising the entertainment sector and preventing activities considered capable of undermining societal values.
-9News Nigeria.
