Och’Idoma lists 25 harmful cultural practices for elimination

The federal government through the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and some prominent traditional rulers has thrown their weight behind the campaign against Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and other harmful cultural norms.

They challenged fathers to rise to the occasion and ensure equality and justice in their homes.

This was as the Och’Idoma and paramount ruler of Idoma Kingdom, Agaba’Idu Elaigwu Odogbo John, issued a royal declaration listing 25 harmful gender and cultural practices that must be reformed or discontinued.

The declaration was unveiled at the Fathers4Equality Recognition Awards and Traditional Leaders Conference 2026, themed: “Redefining Fatherhood for Equality and Justice,” and organised by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy & Development (Centre LSD), with support from the Ford Foundation.

The conference brought together traditional rulers including the paramount ruler of Obanliku, Dr. Uchua Amos Uyumulam Item, the Ovie of Ozoro Kingdom’s representative, Chief Berkeley Asiafa, the Kindred Head of Wurukum, Chief Simon Ugundo, the District Head of Akwanga in Nasarawa state, Sir Anthony M. Yamusa and the chairman of the Enugu state Council of Presidents General of Town Unions, Hon. Chief Arinze Nnia Ogbodo, among others.

Speaking at the event, Thursday in Abuja, the founding Executive Director of Centre LSD, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, said the conference was built around the need to look at masculinity and what men could do differently, adding that “men do not necessarily have to be domineering. Men do not necessarily have to be violent. Men can be strong and compassionate.”

He advocated that fathers should treat their sons and daughters equally.

Igbuzor said traditional rulers had a critical role to play in entrenching equality between sons and daughters, citing the example of the Emir of Machina, whose decision to send his daughters to school encouraged others in his domain to do the same.

He noted that traditional rulers commanded moral and social authority and were commended for promoting gender equality, with a call on others to emulate them “so that in the next few years there will be gender equality in Nigeria.”

In his welcome remarks, Mr. Monday Osasah, said the conference was designed to confront a society in which “masculinity has sometimes been associated with domination, control, toughness and the exercise of authority,” stressing that “a father can be strong without being oppressive. He can exercise authority without domination.”