Humanism and Its Possibilities in Africa

by Elizabeth Ouma

Leo Igwe’s article on Humanism and Its Possibilities in Africa is a very critical piece to young people in Africa trying to learn about the importance of humanism in Africa. From the article, these are the three point I Got from the essay:

Humanism as an Empowering Alternative to Religion and Superstition

Humanism is a philosophy that emphasizes human agency, ethical behavior independent of gods or dogmas, and the possibility to free people from destructive religious and backward traditional customs like the belief in Witchcraft and Caste system, according to Leo Igwe. He talks about his own journey from a pious Catholic upbringing to his acceptance of humanism during his seminary education. He sees humanism as a means for Africans to confront problems like ritual killings, witch persecution, and Osu caste discrimination by using reason and human effort rather than supernatural beliefs.

Combating Specific Social Evils in Africa Through Humanist Activism

The Osu caste system, which causes social exclusion and broken families; ritual sacrifices for wealth, which include beheadings and target vulnerable groups like people with albinism; witch hunts, which result in the torture, exile, or death of accused women, children, and elders; and religious extremism, which incites violence and prioritizes dogma over human life, are just a few examples of the destructive practices that humanism can eradicate as the essay mentions. Leo Igwe demonstrates the human cost with striking examples from Nigeria and other places, and he contends that humanist principles uphold compassion, dignity, and reason in opposition to them.

The Growth, Achievements, and Challenges of the Humanist Movement in Africa

Igwe describes how he founded the Nigerian Humanist Movement in 1996, how it spread throughout Nigeria and other nations (such as Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda), and its concrete effects, which include defending the rights of non-believers and LGBTQ+ people, holding conferences, and rescuing accused witches (such as Girl X in Nigeria and women in Malawi). He highlights the Promethean attitude of defiance for human flourishing, pointing out challenges like negative perceptions (humanists are perceived as Satanists or immoral), arrests, beatings, and detentions he personally experienced, despite advancements.

My Feelings and Thoughts on the Leo Igwe’s Ideas Outlined in the Essay

I agree with Leo Igwe's main points, especially his support of humanism as a way to counteract and lessen the negative effects of superstition and unbridled religious zeal in Africa. His essay strikes a deep chord with me because it supports a logical, fact-based worldview that puts human welfare ahead of unverified theories—something I've always defended in my own "thinking." His stories—such as the Osu caste's practice of forcing divorces or selling children, or a high school boy's ritual execution of a family member—are extremely upsetting and demonstrate how illogical beliefs can feed vicious cycles of prejudice and violence. The actual human pain that lies behind these stories is devastating to consider: innocent lives lost due to inheritance rather than proof or justice.