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Leo Igwe is a Nigerian human rights advocate and humanist. Igwe is a former Western and Southern African representative of the International Humanist and Ethical Union, and has specialized in campaigning

Lifestyle Nigeria News and Headlines 

AfAW: Combating Witch Persecution and Resource Question

Leo Igwe
Since the Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) was launched in January, some people have been asking questions regarding the mission, scope and future of the campaign. One question has continued to reoccur. That is, the question of resources. Or better, how to fund the campaign. In fact a BBC journalist repeatedly asked me: Where will you get the resources? From… Read More
Opinions Science 

Who is Afraid of Witches on Campuses?

Leo Igwe
On January 30 2020, University of Ibadan Campus Humanists and Freethinkers held a talk on the theme: Who is afraid of witches on campuses? The venue of the event was the Tedder Hall Cafetaria. Students from Law, Political Science, Philosophy and Education faculties attended the program. The Advocacy for Alleged Witches(AfAW) organized the talk in response to the growing fears… Read More
Lifestyle Nigeria News and Headlines 

AfAW and Witch Persecution in Africa

Leo Igwe
Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) is an initiative to build a critical mass of support for those who are accused of witchcraft. Witchcraft allegations lead to a break down of social ties and solidarity including the isolation and ostracization of the accused. AfAW aims to forge an effective alliance to tackle abuses that are linked to witchcraft accusation and witch… Read More
Nigeria WitchCraft Lifestyle 

2020-2030: Decade of Activism Against Witch Persecution in Africa

Leo Igwe
The Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW) hereby announces a Decade of Activism against Witch Persecution in Africa: 2020-2030. The main objective of this initiative is to create a witch hunting free Africa by sensitizing Africans on witch hunting and spearheading the advocacy for alleged witches in Africa within the next ten years. To realize this objective, AfAW will engage in… Read More
Lifestyle Science 

Atheism and Family Persecution: A Case from Central Nigeria

Leo Igwe
While there has been an overwhelming emphasis on the pervasiveness of religiosity and god belief in Nigeria, little attention has been paid to the plight of non religious people; especially those who disbelieve in God like atheists. There is limited information on the oppression and persecution of atheists and the fact that such persecutions are linked to the invisibility of… Read More
Africa 

Catholic School Expels Students for Homosexuality

Leo Igwe
A  catholic mission school, Bishop Nwedo Memorial Boys’ High School, in Umuahia, has expelled over 20 students for practicing homosexuality. The school management dismissed these students on the day that there were to commence their first term examination. Affected students were in junior as well as senior secondary school levels. According to a local source, the school authorities organised a prayer… Read More
Nigeria News and Headlines 

Saving Innocent Lives: Witchcraft Allegations and Native Medicine in Edo State

Leo Igwe
Intervening in cases of witchcraft allegations and witch hunting is a moral duty. It is a social obligation that should be fulfilled. Victims of witchcraft allegations are usually defenceless, helpless vulnerable members of the population, children, elderly persons and people living with disabilities. Witch persecution takes various forms: torture, banishment and trial by ordeal. Witchcraft accusation is a form of… Read More
Lifestyle Nigeria News and Headlines 

Islam, Social Media and Rise of Atheism in Northern Nigeria

Leo Igwe
Atheism was the focus of a seminar by the Centre for Islamic Civilization and Interfaith Dialogue (CICID) at the Bayero University Kano. The seminar was held on September 12, 2019. Panelists explored the topic: Social Media and the Rise of Atheism among the Muslim Youths in Northern Nigeria. Causes, Consequences, and Recommendations. One wonders why this little known organization decided… Read More
Nigeria News and Headlines Science 

Liberty Church Mob Attack in Calabar: Ten Years After

Leo Igwe
Ten years ago today, members of the Liberty Gospel Church attacked and robbed me in Calabar. They invaded a conference that I organized to highlight abuses linked to witchcraft beliefs in the region. Harmful practices related to witchcraft beliefs are pervasive in Nigeria. However, Cross Rivers and Akwa Ibom states were notorious due to widespread abuses and abandonment of suspected… Read More
Lifestyle OP-ED 

UN: Witch Hunting Requires An International Response

Leo Igwe,
Protection of citizens is one of the state’s most overarching obligations. Accordingly a modern State must fulfill or be made to fulfill this duty. This is because in our westphalian world order of nation states, the State is the central organ for social and political organization; the mechanism for the maintenance of law and order. The State is supposed to… Read More
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