Arrangements have been concluded for a rare family celebration as nine children of the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, will marry on the same day in Abuja.

The ceremony, scheduled for February 6 at the Abuja Central Mosque by 1:30 pm, has generated wide public interest following the circulation of the invitation card on social media.

The invitation, sighted on Saturday, bears the photograph of the former Zamfara State governor and lists the names of the couples as Ibrahim, Suraj, Safiya, Maryam, Aisha, Fahad, Muh’d, Nana Firdausi, and Farida.

Confirming the development, the spokesman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State, Yusuf Idris, said the celebrants comprise five sons and four daughters.

Idris, who disclosed that he is a member of the organising committee, said preparations for the event were at an advanced stage.

“By the grace of God, the wedding will take place at the Central Mosque in Abuja on February 6. The minister’s children involved are five males and four females,” he said.

“As I speak with you, all necessary arrangements have reached an advanced level to ensure a befitting and hitch-free ceremony next month.”

The multiple wedding is expected to attract top government officials, politicians, traditional rulers and other dignitaries from across the country.