Kano State Censorship Board suspends after-party and hot challenge activities at weddings and social events, citing cultural, moral and religious values.
Authorities in Kano State have moved to stop the use of “after-party” and “hot challenge” activities at wedding ceremonies and other social gatherings, directing event centres across the state to discontinue the practices with immediate effect.
The directive forms part of the Kano State Censorship Board’s latest efforts to regulate entertainment activities and ensure that public events are conducted in accordance with Kano State’s cultural, moral and religious values.
The Executive Secretary of the board, Abba El-Mustapha, announced the decision in a statement issued by the organisation’s Public Relations Officer, Abdullahi Sulaiman, on Saturday, July 25, 2026.
The board said the suspension became necessary following growing concerns over the increasing presence of the activities at weddings and other social functions across the state.
According to the censorship authority, the activities have increasingly become part of celebrations in Kano, despite being regarded by the board as practices influenced by Western culture.
The board expressed concern that the trend was gradually becoming common at wedding ceremonies and other social events, prompting the need for regulatory intervention.
It explained that its decision was not targeted at entertainment generally but was intended to ensure that activities organised during public celebrations remain within acceptable ethical, cultural and religious boundaries.
The statement noted that the board has a responsibility to monitor and sanitise entertainment-related activities throughout the state, particularly those taking place in event centres and other venues where large numbers of people gather.
It said the move was aimed at protecting the values and traditions of the people of Kano while ensuring that social events are conducted responsibly.
“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,” the statement said.
The board added that the suspension was introduced to safeguard the cultural, moral and religious values of residents and prevent entertainment practices considered inconsistent with those values from becoming increasingly established at public events.
The latest directive is expected to affect a range of stakeholders involved in organising weddings and other social gatherings, including event centre operators, masters of ceremonies, event planners and other entertainment service providers.
The board therefore instructed all relevant stakeholders to take note of the suspension and ensure strict compliance with the directive.
It warned that event organisers and individuals who disregard the order could be subjected to appropriate legal sanctions in line with the laws and regulations under the board’s authority.
The censorship board also emphasised that it remains open to entertainment activities that contribute positively to wedding ceremonies and other social gatherings.
It clarified that the suspension does not amount to a ban on entertainment at social functions, stressing that responsible and acceptable forms of entertainment would continue to be permitted.
According to the board, entertainment remains an important part of celebrations and social occasions. However, it insisted that such activities must be presented in ways that respect the cultural identity, moral expectations and religious teachings of the people of Kano State.
The board urged MCs and event planners to exercise greater responsibility when designing programmes for weddings and other ceremonies.
It also encouraged event centre owners and operators to ensure that activities hosted on their premises comply with the regulations governing public entertainment in the state.
The directive comes amid the board’s broader efforts to regulate activities within the entertainment industry and maintain standards at social events.
The censorship authority said it expects stakeholders to cooperate with the enforcement of the suspension rather than wait for punitive measures to be taken against those who violate the order.
It further appealed to residents to assist the board in monitoring compliance across the state by reporting event centres, MCs or other organisers who continue to engage in or promote the suspended activities.
Members of the public were advised to report such incidents as soon as they occur, with the board stressing that complaints should be limited to events taking place within Kano State.
The board’s appeal suggests that public cooperation will form part of its enforcement strategy as it seeks to identify venues and organisers that may disregard the new directive.
By suspending the activities, the Kano State Censorship Board said it hopes to reinforce standards for social entertainment while encouraging celebrations that reflect the cultural and religious identity of the state.
The board maintained that its position is focused on ensuring that weddings and other public gatherings remain enjoyable without compromising the values and standards it is mandated to uphold.
It therefore called on all stakeholders in the events industry to familiarise themselves with the directive and work with the relevant authorities to ensure that future ceremonies comply with the new requirements.
The board reiterated that violations would not be overlooked and that individuals or organisations found breaching the suspension could face sanctions as provided under applicable laws.
For now, event centres, MCs, planners and other entertainment providers across Kano are expected to adjust their programmes accordingly and avoid incorporating the suspended activities into weddings and other social events.
The board’s latest action underscores its stated commitment to maintaining control over entertainment activities and ensuring that public celebrations across Kano are conducted in a manner consistent with the cultural, moral and religious principles it seeks to protect.
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