Imagine wanting to marry someone… but before the wedding, you must survive public flogging, lie flat on the ground in front of her But in Nigeria, a country with over 250 ethnic groups’ marriage traditions can be incredibly unique, sometimes shocking, and deeply symbolic. Here are some of the strangest marriage cultures in Nigeria. The Fulani In some Fulani communities in Northern Nigeria, a man who wants to marry must go through a ritual known as Sharo. And yes — it involves being whipped in public. Young men are flogged with sticks by challengers while the community watches. The groom must endure the beating without crying, running away, or showing pain. If he fails, he may lose the chance to marry the woman. But if he survives the ordeal bravely, he earns respect and proves he is strong enough to handle the responsibilities of marriage. For the bride, it’s actually a matter of pride if her husband passes this painful test. The Efik and Ibibio Tradition In parts of Cross River S...
Port Harcourt, Rivers State – In a significant step towards integrating artificial intelligence responsibly into Nigerian society, a landmark "South-South Journalism Workshop Training on AI and Religion" held in Port Harcourt on the 26th of March 2026. The training which was organized by the Nigeria Religious Coalition on Artificial Intelligence, brought together religious leaders and journalists to deliberate on the critical intersection of AI, ethics, and faith, to ensure responsible usage. The workshop underscored the urgent need for ethical standards in AI policies across Nigeria, emphasizing that this powerful technology must remain a tool under human control, serving innovation without overriding core human values. Reverend Kolade Fadahunsi, Director of the Christian Council of Nigeria, Institute of Church & Society, Ibadan, opened the workshop by stressing the imperative of ethical reflection in AI's development and deployment within the n...