For many young people across the world, tying the knot with women from Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, poses significant challenges. This struggle is personal, and it goes beyond borders, cultures, and continents. Our old marriage traditions, once meaningful, have become an exorbitant plight. Young men vying to marry our beautiful daughters find themselves grappling with our ancient customs that demand exorbitant rites.

These rites, once a symbol of respect and commitment, have, in the contemporary world, turned into overwhelming burdens for many. The heavy financial requirements in our traditional marriage customs can deter potential spouses, sparking a ripple effect that influences the life choices of our young women. One marriage list could have as much as five goats apart from several other demands and many suitors have abandoned their spouses after receipt of the traditional marriage list.

Currently, the marriage list stipulates that items including but not limited to goats be provided to dead relatives, failure of which those alive will die. Idongesit (my aunty of blessed memory) died in 2022 because the rites for the dead in-laws were collected by the wrong representatives who came from the village. Both parents of the bride were alive at the time the marital rites were performed, but one died because items were collected by the wrong set of people. A celebration of joy has become an epitome of pain, sorrows and sadness for the living because of the dead.

The United Nations recognizes the right to marry and form a family as a fundamental human right. However, when cultural demands become obstructions instead of facilitators, it becomes imperative to reassess our practices. God Almighty did not create marriage to be a symbol of bondage but love and joy to be enjoyed by everyone whether rich or poor. We should uphold and share love in our traditions and make same accessible and affordable to all.

We understand that tradition is an important fabric of our society, defining who we are as people of Akwa Ibom. However, times have changed, and our practices should evolve to reflect this evolution. 

We call on the community leaders, elders, and citizens of Akwa Ibom State to revisit and revise these customs, striking a balance between preserving our cultural heritage and accommodating the socio-economic realities of the modern world. 

"The only thing necessary for evil to prevail, is for good people to do nothing." - Phil Plimpton

Stand with us to support a change in the marriage customs of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, West Africa. Your support matters; sign this petition and make a difference today. The future of our young men and women, the continuity of our culture, and the vitality of our ancestors' legacy depends on it.