GBV: How Centre LSD, traditional rulers ended harmful old-age culture in C’River

… Raises N6.2m for 57 survivors

An old-age harmful culture in Becheve communities of Obanluku Local Government Area of Cross River State tagged “Money Woman” has been abolished totally.

The said practice involves the use of young girls—often at extremely vulnerable ages—as a means of settling debts owed by their families.

The African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD), who championed the move, has also raised six millions and two hundred thousand Naira to set free the first set of 57 women under the oppression.

Addressing a press conference Tuesday in Abuja, during the ongoing national summit on Male Feminism and Gender-Based Violence prevention in Nigeria, the founding Executive Director of Centre LSD, Dr. Otive Igbuzor, described the development as a major breakthrough in ending the long-standing oppression of survivors of the “Money Woman” tradition in Becheve communities of Obanliku Local Government Area, Cross River State.

The conference had in attendance: Survivors of “Money Woman” practice, traditional rulers of the communities, development partners, Gender-Based activists, and more

According to Dr Igbuzor, the girls are given out in marriage not by choice, but as instruments of financial obligation, denying them their rights to education, personal development, and autonomy.

He said the ‘Money Woman’ practice reinforces cycles of poverty, inequality, and gender-based violence. While often defended under the guise of tradition, it is a clear violation of fundamental human rights and dignity.

“On August 20, 2020, through the UN Women-funded Spotlight Initiative, we worked with the Paramount Ruler of Obanliku LGA, the Becheve Traditional Council of Chiefs, and local government authorities to abolish this harmful practice,” he revealed.

He also stated that abolition has led to the enactment of a local by-law prohibiting the practice across affected communities.

“This was a bold and commendable step. It demonstrated that culture is not static and that harmful practices can be challenged and redefined from within.

“We initiated a renewed process of engagement with traditional rulers, clan heads, and community stakeholders.

“This process was deliberate, inclusive, and rooted in dialogue. It brought together traditional authorities, affected families, community members, and even men within these unions to openly examine the situation and agree on a way forward.

“The goal was not to impose a solution, but to facilitate a community-owned resolution that would be fair, practical, and sustainable.

“This process culminated in a landmark stakeholder meeting held on March 12, 2026, in Becheve, Obanliku LGA.
After extensive deliberations, a unanimous agreement was reached:
₦100,000 was adopted as the standardized maximum amount payable for the release of any survivor.
This decision marked a turning point. It moved the process from uncertainty and exploitation to clarity, fairness, and dignity.”

The development expert said many survivors have lived for years without access to education or livelihoods.

“Empowerment ensures they can rebuild their lives with dignity and independence. This breakthrough reflects the power of community ownership and traditional leadership.”

He, however, commended the Paramount Ruler, clan heads, and community leaders for their courage in demonstrating that tradition can evolve to uphold justice and human dignity.

He said: “Their leadership has been critical in building trust, facilitating dialogue, and ensuring that the resolution is respected. This progress aligns directly with the vision of the Male Feminists Network.”

Speaking earlier, the the Paramount Ruler of the Local Government, HRH Amos Uyumulam, who read the communique from the meetings held in the community, said it was agreed and reaffirmed that the “money woman” tradition and culture is totality be abolished and banished in Becheve ward of Obanliku Local Government Area in Cross River State.

“It was also agreed, that the bride price be returned to the man, that is the husband of the girl in order to set the woman/girl free from the “money woman” marriage agreements.

“The said agreed bride price to be returned was pegged at one hundred thousand naira (N100, 000) only, irrespective of whatever items were involved.

“It was also agreed that, they said N100, 000 can be used to empower the woman who was old and cannot leave the marriage again, but to stay with her children.”