IHRC Nigeria Highlights the Urgent Call to Protect and Empower Girls Facing Religious and Cultural Exploitation
Abuja, Nigeria – October 2025.
As the world commemorates the International Day of the Girl Child 2025, the International Human Rights Commission (IHRC Corporation) joins the global community in amplifying this year’s theme — “The Girl I Am, The Change I Lead: Girls in the Frontline of Crisis.” The message resonates deeply across Nigeria, where countless girls continue to endure the devastating effects of religious manipulation, ritual abuse, and cultural exploitation.
Across various communities, what should serve as a sanctuary of faith and moral guidance has, in some instances, turned into a setting of fear and psychological harm. Unscrupulous spiritual figures and false prophets exploit the innocence of young girls, often with the misguided consent of parents who seek protection or miracles. Under the guise of religion, these girls are subjected to forced initiations, ritual practices, and mental trauma — acts that erode their dignity, deprive them of education, and extinguish their hope for a brighter future.
This disturbing trend forms the core of IHRC Nigeria’s reflection for this year’s observance. The Commission emphasises that girls must not be seen merely as victims but as agents of transformation — capable of leading change, promoting justice, and building peace even amid adversity.
“When we empower the girl, we shape the destiny of a generation. The girl child is not a victim of the system; she is the architect of a better world.”
— Dr. Duru Hezekiah, Head of Diplomatic Mission, IHRC Nigeria.
Under the leadership of Dr. Hezekiah, IHRC Nigeria Mission continues to collaborate with national institutions, development agencies, and civil society partners to strengthen child protection mechanisms, advocate for equal educational opportunities, and uphold the fundamental rights of girls across the country.
The Commission reiterates its unwavering stance:
no child should ever be used as an instrument of ritual, manipulation, or spiritual exploitation.
IHRC calls upon families, faith leaders, educators, and local communities to take shared responsibility in building an environment where every girl can grow in safety, dignity, and freedom.
“When we protect the girl child, we protect the future,”
— added Dr. Duru Hezekiah.
Reported by:
Fidelis Onakpoma
Head of Media and Strategic Communications IHRC Nigeria
Religion and culture are meant to guide moral conduct, not to enslave or exploit. The misuse of both to oppress the girl child is a grave injustice that undermines human dignity, national progress, and moral integrity. Every child regardless of gender deserves freedom, education, safety, and the right to self-determination. The society that silences its girls silences its future.
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