Nigeria, April 15 -- A decades-old practice in Becheve communities of Obanliku Local Government Area of Cross River State, widely known as the "Money Woman" tradition, has been formally abolished following coordinated efforts by civil society actors and traditional authorities.

The practice, which involved using young girls to offset family debts through forced marital arrangements, had long drawn criticism for exposing victims to abuse and denying them access to education and personal development.

The breakthrough was announced on Tuesday in Abuja by the African Centre for Leadership, Strategy and Development (Centre LSD) during a press conference held alongside a national summit on male feminism and the prevention of gender-based viol...