NJHN June 28 Program with Leo Igwe: The Rise of Non-Religion in Africa

This month we’re hosting a talk by Leo Igwe, a board member of Humanists International and founder of the Humanist Association of Nigeria. Leo will be traveling and speaking around the U.S. in June and he’ll join us via Zoom. His talk will focus on The Rise of Non-Religion in Africa.

The African continent has often been explained in reference to religion, and the notion of Africa’s religious notoriety persists in popular and academic literature. Countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, Zambia, and Rwanda have been polled as the most religious on earth. The region has become the global capital of Christianity and Islam, faiths that did not exist in the region centuries ago. Religion-based violence and abuses are pervasive. At the same time, a growing wave of non-religious sentiment is emerging in the region. Humanists, atheists, and non-theists are leaving the closets and becoming active, assertive, and expressive of their views and positions. But the growing visibility of non-theistic and non-religious people has come at enormous risk and challenge, especially for those who live in countries and communities where Islam is the dominant faith, and sharia applies. Drawing on experiences in Nigeria and other African countries, this presentation examines the rise of non-religion and its associated dangers and opportunities.

Leo is a human rights activist and promoter of humanism around the world. He is most known for fighting superstition and witchcraft-related persecution, and advocating for secular activists imprisoned for blasphemy.

This is a hybrid meeting, in person at the Franklin Township Public Library in Somerset and via Zoom. Leo’s talk will start at 2:00 PM. The meeting is free and open to the public.

Preceding Leo’s talk, at 1:30 PM we’ll hold a brief Annual Membership Meeting to give a report on our activities over the last year for our humanist community. We’ll share our future plans and invite feedback and ideas from our members. We’ll also announce the results of our 2026 Board of Directors election. All members are encouraged to attend.

After the program, everyone is invited to join us for an early dinner at Habeebs Grill and Creperie, 458 Elizabeth Avenue, Somerset. 

This meeting via Zoom requires advance registration:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/5IwmHETFSY-6XgE2MxnyTw
After registering, you’ll receive a confirmation email from Zoom with the link to join the meeting.

RSVPs optional but appreciated.

 

 

You don’t have to be a dues-paying member to attend the meeting, but you are certainly welcome to become an NJHN member at any time before, during, or after the meeting. Visit our Membership page to join NJHN and support our educational, social and political goals. NJHN is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization and donations and dues are fully tax-deductible.

Disclaimer: The views, information, and opinions expressed by our program speakers are solely their own and are not expressly shared or endorsed by New Jersey Humanist Network. The primary purpose of our speaker programs is to educate, inform and stimulate conversation.

 

Published 5/29/26