Traditional rulers of Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, on Monday, adopted a covenant prohibiting issues of harmful widowhood practices as well as Gender-Based Violence (GBV) in their communities.
Recall that the process was launched with a public declaration to abandon harmful widowhood practices on September 17, 2025, followed by intensive community engagement, during which the covenant was developed, validated, and adopted.
The exercise was facilitated through the joint collaboration of the Akwa Ibom State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Welfare, Women At Risk International Foundation (WARIF), and UN Women, with the support of the Ford Foundation.
Speaking at the covenant signing, the Paramount Ruler of Ika, His Royal Majesty Edidem Joseph Okosi Ekot, said the “covenant represents a collective decision by traditional leaders, women leaders, youth representatives, and elders to abolish practices that demean and harm, and to uphold traditions that preserve and dignify.”
The royal father, who spoke through a representative, declared that no widow in their community should be allowed to suffer any form of indignity in the name of tradition. This came even after a community member bravely shared the painful story of how his mother was subjected to forced hair shaving as a widow, adding that the traumatic experience left a scar of shame that the family still carries to date.
His words: “This is a new dawn for Ika. Our culture is not meant to destroy, but to preserve and protect. From this day, no widow in Ika shall suffer indignity in the name of tradition.”
Also speaking, Ibrahim Nurudeen, Programme Specialist at UN Women, who commended Ika traditional rulers for taking a bold step to abandon harmful widowhood practices, said such was a powerful example of how culture could be transformed into a force for justice. “With this covenant, Ika has set a strong precedent for other communities in Nigeria, proving that culture can evolve to safeguard the most vulnerable and uphold justice,” Nurudeen stated.
On her part, Nkechi Udoh (Esq), Director of Economic Affairs, said the covenant was a testament that when communities take ownership, “real and lasting change is possible.”
She added: “Today, Ika has restored the dignity of widows and given future generations of women hope. This is the kind of leadership that drives progress and inspires other communities to act.”
Meanwhile, the exercise was replicated in Uyo, where a charter was signed abolishing harmful widowhood practices and GBV.
