Leo Igwe
Leo Igwe is a Nigerian human rights activist, humanist leader, and outspoken critic of harmful traditional practices. He founded the Humanist Association of Nigeria in 1990 and later launched Advocacy for Alleged Witches (AfAW), a campaign using compassion, reason, and science to protect people—often children—accused of witchcraft. Over decades of activism, Igwe has endured lawsuits, detention, and violent attacks by opponents of his work, yet continues to champion human rights, freedom of belief, and secular values across Africa. In 2020, he was appointed to the Board of Humanists International, further strengthening his global advocacy. Igwe has received multiple honours for his efforts, including the Distinguished Services to Humanism Award (2014, 2017) and the 2021 Heart of Humanism Award from Foundation Beyond Belief, recognising his tireless defence of vulnerable people and his leadership within the global humanist movement.