By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Traditional rulers, religious leaders and community elders across Nigeria have pledged to champion the elimination of harmful cultural practices, declaring that culture should protect human dignity rather than endanger lives.
The commitment was made during a stakeholders’ engagement organised by the National Human Rights Commission in Abuja, where traditional institutions joined government agencies, civil society organisations and development partners to strengthen efforts aimed at protecting women and children.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the commission, Tony Ojukwu, Director of Women and Children, Mrs. Ngozi Okorie, said the initiative was not designed to erase cultural identity but to reform practices that undermine human dignity.
According to her, “No culture is superior to human dignity. Our ancestors themselves upheld values of health, respect and human dignity.”
Participants at the forum examined practices such as child marriage, female genital mutilation and harmful widowhood rites, which they said continue to restrict the rights, health and opportunities of women and girls across the country.
Stakeholders stressed that ending such practices is not only a human rights necessity but also critical to national growth and development.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Izeduwa Derex-Briggs of the Ford Foundation called for honest conversations within communities over the continued relevance of harmful traditions.
“Many of these practices have existed for generations. We need open conversations on whether they still serve us and how they affect our people today,” he said.
Also speaking, Mrs. Tasha Roseline of the Federal Ministry of Justice said the government was intensifying efforts to strengthen legal protections, expand legal aid and improve public awareness to ensure women gain better access to justice and opportunities.
A presentation by Prof. Joy Ezeilo highlighted data on harmful practices, existing legal safeguards and the social impact of such traditions on women and girls in Nigeria.
Meanwhile, Mr. Chino Obiagwu of the Legal Defence and Assistance Project emphasised the importance of community ownership in driving reforms, noting that traditional rulers remain central to achieving lasting change.
“Gender equity won’t work if it’s imposed from outside. Communities must own the reforms,” he said.
Participants at the meeting agreed that legislation alone would not end harmful practices, as they resolved to adopt community-based measures promoting dignity, girl-child education, maternal health and women’s inclusion in decision-making processes.
The stakeholders also pledged to collaborate with the NHRC in monitoring progress at the grassroots level.
They maintained that safeguarding women and children would strengthen economic growth, peace and social stability across communities.
One traditional ruler at the meeting noted that, “When our daughters are safe and educated, our communities prosper.”
The engagement ended with renewed commitments by traditional institutions, government agencies and community groups to work together in translating reforms into everyday realities for Nigerians.
