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The Propriety of Mass Weddings and the Imperative to End Child Betrothal written by Kebe Ikpi

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Mass weddings are collective ceremonies uniting many couples at once, often organised by religious, traditional or community bodies. Supporters highlight lower costs, communal solidarity and administrative efficiency, especially in resource-scarce settings. When restricted to consenting adults of full legal capacity, such events can be a legitimate social practice. Propriety, however, demands respect for autonomy, dignity and the rights of every participant. That propriety collapses the moment children are involved. Any alleged betrothal or marriage of a child bride in a mass wedding must be condemned without reservation. A child is not a party capable of consenting to marriage. Early marriage interrupts education, exposes girls to early pregnancy and its attendant health risks, heightens vulnerability to violence, and extinguishes childhood itself. Public celebration of such unions normalises the harm and compounds the injury. National laws, including the Child Rights Act and equivale...
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Bridging the Knowledge Gap: VAC, GBV, and Reporting Pathways – Insights from Lekeelekee Written By Kebe Ikpi

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A recent poll on Lekeelekee, Africa’s homegrown social media platform, highlights a critical shortfall in public awareness of Violence Against Children (VAC) and Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Asked “Do you know where to report if you become aware of or experience VAC or GBV?”, 50% answered “Yes,” 40% said “No,” and 10% chose “Tell me more about VAC and GBV.” Half the respondents either lack knowledge of reporting channels or want basic education on the issues themselves. This gap has serious consequences. Unreported cases allow abuse to continue, leave survivors isolated, and hinder prevention and justice. In a digital space connecting millions across Africa and the diaspora, the finding is both a warning and an opportunity. What VAC and GBV Mean VAC includes physical, sexual, and emotional abuse, neglect, and exploitation of anyone under 18, corporal punishment, child marriage, trafficking, and online harm. GBV covers harmful acts based on gender, primarily affecting women and girls bu...
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Drawing the Line Between Age-Appropriate and Rights-Based Sexuality Education; A Comparative Study with References to Liberia and Beyond By Kebe Ikpi

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Introduction Few topics in education generate as much heat as sexuality education. In classrooms from Monrovia to Kampala to Nairobi, the question is rarely whether children will learn something about their bodies and their futures — but what, when, who decides, and under whose authority. Two dominant frameworks have emerged in the global conversation: age-appropriate education (developmental, staged, context-sensitive) and rights-based education (framed around the child's individual entitlements, often anchored in international covenants). The two are not enemies, but in practice they have been treated as rivals — and the collision has produced bans, protests, court battles, and confused curricula. This article draws the line between the two, using Liberia and other countries as case studies, and recommends the approach that best protects the child. Defining the Two Paradigms Age-appropriate education is developmental. It asks: What does a child at this stage of cognit...
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THE SILENT ECONOMIC & EMOTIONAL TAX ON CHILDLESS COUPLES Written By Blessing Ojoma Onakpa

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Last time, I spoke about why marriage should not be reduced to procreation. Today, I want us to look at another side of the same issue: the emotional and financial price couples sometimes pay because society expects them to have children at all costs. For some couples, the struggle to have a child is already painful enough. But instead of receiving understanding and support, they are often faced with questions, pressure, comparisons, unsolicited advice and constant reminders that they are yet to have children. And that pressure can become expensive. Some couples move from one hospital to another, try different fertility treatments, spend money on traditional remedies, visit different religious centres, travel for treatment and sometimes exhaust their savings—all while desperately trying to meet society’s expectations. Let me be clear: there is absolutely nothing wrong with seeking medical help when you genuinely want a child. The problem begins when people feel they must keep spending,...
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MARRIAGE SHOULD NOT BE REDUCED TO PROCREATION Written By Blessing Ojoma Onakpa

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I honestly believe it is time we have a serious conversation about the way society views marriage and childbearing. Procreation should not be presented as the only purpose or measure of a successful marriage. Not every couple will have children, and not everyone even wants children. Yet, because of the enormous pressure society places on couples especially women…many women are subjected to insults, shame, rejection, emotional abuse and unbearable pressure simply because they have not conceived. Some marriages have become chaotic because of this mentality. Some women have suffered deeply, and some have tragically lost their lives under the weight of the stigma and pressure. We need a radical reorientation. Marriage should be about love, companionship, partnership, understanding, friendship and building a meaningful life together. Children can be a beautiful part of that journey, but they should not be the yardstick for determining a woman’s worth or the success of a marriage. Even from ...
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CONGRATULATION ON THREE YEARS OF IMPACTFUL SERVICE

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Congratulations to my boss and leader, Hon. Edema Irom, Honourable Commissioner for Women Affairs, on the remarkable achievement of three years in office. Your tenure has been defined by purposeful leadership and an unwavering commitment to improving the lives of women, children and vulnerable persons across Cross River State. Through your leadership, the Ministry has championed policies and programmes addressing Gender-Based Violence, child protection, gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, nutrition, social inclusion, and sexual and reproductive health and rights. Your dedication to advancing the rights, dignity and wellbeing of women and children has been truly inspiring. Beyond your achievements as Commissioner, you have also been a wonderful boss and mentor. Your guidance, encouragement, trust and positive influence have impacted my life greatly, and I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to serve and learn under your leadership. As you celebrate three years of servic...
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Celebrating Breastfeeding Week: A Milestone for Maternal and Child Nutrition in Cross River State By Nkem Ubana and Kebe Ikpi

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As the world observes World Breastfeeding Week this year, Cross River State stands as a shining example of progressive policy and collective action in support of mothers and children. This annual celebration provides an opportunity to reaffirm the critical importance of breastfeeding while recognizing bold steps that enable mothers to provide the best start for their infants. This year’s theme, “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” carries particular significance. It calls on governments, communities, and partners to move beyond awareness-raising and instead track progress, evaluate what has proven effective, and scale up successful approaches that improve breastfeeding outcomes. By focusing on evidence-based interventions that advance nutrition, food security, and poverty reduction, the theme underscores that breastfeeding is not merely a personal choice but a powerful, sustainable public health strategy with lifelong benefits for children...
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