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Advocate Expands Anti-ritual Campaign – News Agency Of Nigeria
By Hafsah Tilde
Media publisher and anti-ritual killing advocate, Mr Sunday Oyinloye, has expanded his campaign against killings of girls for money rituals, unveiling partnerships with stakeholders to strengthen nationwide efforts against the growing menace.
Oyinloye, Publisher of Green Savannah Diplomatic Cable, announced the initiative in a statement issued Thursday in Abuja, saying the advocacy campaign was entering a new phase after four years of sustained awareness.
“Having sustained the advocacy since January 2022, the campaign is entering a new phase focusing on stronger collaboration with media organisations, civil society, schools, religious, traditional institutions and stakeholders,” Oyinloye said.
He said the campaign produced an anti-ritual killing jingle in English, later translated into Hausa, Yoruba and Igbo, receiving extensive radio airplay while gaining wide circulation across social media platforms nationwide.
“In addition, I have produced about 80 advocacy video clips, granted several media interviews and issued numerous public statements creating awareness about ritual killings and the urgent need for collective action,” he said.
Oyinloye said the renewed campaign would prioritise youth engagement through public lectures, advocacy programmes and digital media initiatives aimed at discouraging the dangerous pursuit of quick wealth among young Nigerians nationwide.
“The next phase of the campaign would place greater emphasis on youth engagement through lectures, advocacy programmes and digital campaigns promoting hard work, integrity, entrepreneurship and respect for human life,” he stated.
Describing ritual killings as a national emergency, Oyinloye urged governments, security agencies and citizens to sustain coordinated efforts against perpetrators, emphasising that stronger enforcement remained essential to ending the crime.
“Ritual killings have become a national emergency demanding sustained attention from government, security agencies and every segment of society.
“Law enforcement must investigate thoroughly, arrest perpetrators and ensure successful prosecution,” he said.
He also urged government to address youth unemployment and expand economic opportunities, arguing that improving livelihoods would help tackle underlying factors contributing to ritual killings and other violent criminal activities nationwide.
“I appeal to parents and guardians to instill sound moral values in children.
“Religious and traditional leaders should speak strongly against ritual killings and the pursuit of illicit wealth,” Oyinloye added.
He said he was completing a comprehensive book examining ritual killings in Nigeria, their causes, devastating consequences, international implications and practical recommendations for addressing the persistent challenge through collective national action effectively.
“The forthcoming publication examines the root causes, devastating impact on victims, families and communities, while exploring how ritual killings affect Nigeria’s international image and offering practical recommendations,” he explained.
Expressing optimism about the campaign’s future, Oyinloye said broader public participation would strengthen nationwide advocacy, insisting collective action remained indispensable to ending ritual killings and restoring respect for human life everywhere.
“No nation can make meaningful progress when innocent lives are sacrificed for wealth.
“We must restore human dignity, while this campaign belongs to every Nigerian committed to ending ritual killings,” he said.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Abiemwense Moru
