By Leo Igwe
In February, the Humanist Association of Nigeria recorded the second child naming event. The event took place in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The ceremony provided an opportunity for humanists and non-humanists to join Westkey and his family in welcoming their new baby. The ceremony started with an introduction that explained the meaning of a child’s naming event. A ceremony that is consistent with the humanist outlook, a humanist naming event has no rules; it is unique, personal, flexible, sincere, and collaborative. There were some welcome remarks from the couple. Westkey and the wife saluted the guests present at the event especially those who came from outside Port Harcourt and Rivers state. In the poetry segment, Westkey’s wife read Joana Miller’s poem, Wishes for A Child, ” which reechoed some of her desires for the baby, including valuing education, accepting defeat with grace, and standing up for the helpless.
In a pause for thought, the celebrant reflected on the significance of nurturing children without superstition: “Humanist child naming marks a renewal of humanity and a commitment to supporting the growth and development of children without supernational beliefs and religious dogmas. Too often, hankering after imaginary deities and spirits, and a hereafter, blinds and distracts us; they occasion an amnesia and an alienation. It undermines the appreciation of this-worldly events- the birth of a child, coming of age, and other milestones in this life. Humanist child naming is a reenactment of a natural duty and obligation. The humanist approach to child development and well-being puts the humanity of the child at the center”.
The celebrant acknowledged that child development posed a challenge to parents and families and put pressure on their abilities and resources: “When children are slow in growing, teething, talking, or walking, when they often get sick or wet the bed, parents and guardians are worried. Families start looking for explanations, answers, and solutions. They are alarmed, and often mistakenly attribute the cause to some supernatural force, the devil, the witches, mamiwota, name them”.
The celebrant drew attention to some child abuse cases: “Recently, there have seen cases in Rivers state where parents accused their children of witchcraft and demonic possession. In some cases they took the children to churches where they bathed them with pigeons’ blood, or flogged them with palm leaves in the name of spiritual cleansing or driving out evil spirits. Not too long ago a police inspector brutalized his children after accusing them of witchcraft, another parent poisoned his children using sniper substance following an accusation in Bayelsa state. These horrific incidents reveal the vulnerability of children but also the tendency of parents to abuse their duty and responsibility to their children”.
The celebrant urged parents to adopt evidence-based information and knowledge in managing child developmental challenges: “So when challenges of child growth and development come as they would come, it is important to seek out counsel, and assistance from competent individuals, from child development experts, not diviners and vision seers who have little or no idea about human biology. Parents should go to pediatric doctors, nurses, and health workers, not charlatans or exorcists. They should consult child psychologists, counsellors, and other professionals who do not mix their occupation with their faith. Parents and guardians should be guided by reason, science, and evidence-based information in managing issues that arise in the course of nurturing their babies”. The parents appointed a guide parent or mentor who pledged to support the parents in fulfillment of their duty and to provide advice and guidance when needed and necessary. The parents announced the baby’s name, and the event ended with some tributes and closing remarks from families and friends. In his message, the interim president of the humanist association, George Mbuagbaw, noted the importance of the event:
“As Humanists, we want all human beings to live happy, fulfilling lives. This includes being able to mark important events in our lives, like Mr. and Mrs. Westkey Gogo are doing today with their baby’s naming ceremony. We all deserve to have important events in our lives celebrated in a manner that fits our beliefs, personality, and circumstances, whether we are religious or not. As we continue to build and strengthen our communities and local chapters, there will be more Humanist Ceremonies, and of course, more Humanist Celebrants to guide and officiate where necessary. Congratulations to the parents and family, thank you all for coming, and do have fun and enjoy the company of your fellow attendees”.
In another message, Nigerian humanist, Dooyum Dominic Ingye, whose family hosted the first humanist child naming event in 2022 said: “In 2022, when I held a Humanist naming ceremony for my daughter, Doose Ositadimma, it was a deeply personal moment for my family. At the time, we knew it was something new in Nigeria. More importantly, it was our way of welcoming our child into the world with love, responsibility, and a commitment to raising her with compassion, reason, and humanity. Seeing another Humanist naming ceremony take place in the home of Westkey Gogo for his newborn fills me with quiet pride and hope. What once felt like a small step is clearly becoming something bigger, a sign that more families are choosing to celebrate new life in ways that reflect shared humanity rather than fear or superstition. These moments remind us that every child deserves to be welcomed with dignity, kindness, and the promise of a better future shaped by empathy and critical thinking. I warmly congratulate Westkey and his family.
May this child grow surrounded by love, guided by reason, and inspired to make the world more humane for all of us”.
At the end, a group photograph was taken, including relatives and friends of Mr and Mrs Westkey, as well as other attendees. This event testified to the growing acceptance of humanist ceremonies. It was great to see both humanists and non-humanists convene and participate in this event.
Leo Igwe is a board member of the Humanist Association of Nigeria and Humanists International.
