News
African Tribes Where Husbands Flogs Wives To Prove Love, Loyalty
A tribal ceremony during which young women are whipped in order to show the sacrifices they make for men is revealed in a series of photographs.
Members of the Hamar tribe in Ethiopia believe the elaborate scars demonstrate a woman’s capacity for love, and if they fall on hard times later in life it allows them to call on those who whipped them for help.
Women of Hamar tribe with scarsAfter the ceremony the boy becomes a man, and is allowed to marry.
The brutal tradition is known as Ukuli Bula, and was captured by photographer Jeremy Hunter. Instead of fleeing, women beg men to whip them again during the ceremony, held in the Omo River Valley.
For men, male decoration is simpler with the exception of their facial painting which denote status and progression up the social ladder.
A key element of the ceremony is the whipping of young women who are family members or relatives of the boy undertaking the Rite-of-Passage. The women trumpet and sing, extolling the virtues of the Jumper, declaring their love for him and for their desire to be marked by the whip. They coat their bodies with butter to lessen the effect of the whipping which is only carried out by Maza – those who have already undergone this Rite-of-Passage.
A wife from Hamar tribe being flogged by her husband
Some whipping appears to be tender, others more aggressive. But once whipped, the girls proudly show off their scars – as proof of their courage and integrity. Itís a kind of Insurance Policy. The ceremony tends to unite the family and is a demonstration of the womenís capacity for love, and in later life – perhaps when they’ve become widowed – they will look to the boys who whipped them years before to request help.The scars on her back are said to be proof of her sacrifice for the man, and it is therefore impossible for the man to refuse her needs in hard times or emergencies.
Hamar women of the Lower Omo Valley, Southern Ethiopia willingly submit themselves to be whipped during the ceremony of Ukuli Bula . It indicates their courage and capacity for love, and is a form of insurance policy. Should they fall on hard times in later life, they will look to the boy who whipped them to request help.
To the south of Addis Ababa, capital of Ethiopia, lies the tribal animist area. It stretches from Addis all the way to Lake Turkana, formerly known during colonial times as Lake Rudolph, which borders Kenya.
The italian historian Carlo Conti Rossini has described this part of Ethiopia to be a Museum of Peopleís as there are at least eight major tribal groups living here – numbering around 200,000,
who until recently were largely untouched by outside influences. But change is on the way, not least the impact of global phone technology – and the development of the countryís mineral resources by the Chinese.
The annual flooding of the Omo River has been the life-support for the tribal people of this region. For centuries the powerful flow and huge rise and fall of the river have provided up to three harvests a year for the indigenous peopleís staple crop – the highly nutritious SORGHUM.
But in 2006 President Meles Zenawi of Ethiopia commissioned the construction of the tallest hydro-electric dam in Africa. The project was never put to tender, the tribal groups never consulted,
and conservation groups today believe that the dam will destroy an already fragile environment as well as the livelihoods of the tribes, which are closely linked to the river and its annual flood.
One of the most spectacular ceremonies in the Lower Omo Valley is the UKULI BULA ceremony of the Hamar tribal group; itís effectively a Rite-of-Passage from boy to manhood. And marriage.
To reach manhood, Hamar boys must undergo two rituals: circumcision and a leap over the bulls. This determines whether the young Hamar male is ready to make the social jump from youth to adulthood.
After a successful bull-jump – always naked – the Hamar boy, now a Maz – a mature member of the society – may get married.
At every ceremony around two hundred members of the Hamar (also spelt Hamer) participate in this life-changing events.
Soure: PlatformsAfrica
The Inspire Her Conference & Awards 2025, set to take place in Abuja on 17th April, promises to be a celebration of female leadership, resilience, and achievement across Africa.
The event will be led by the Honourable Minister for Women Affairs, Hajiya Imaan Sulaiman-Ibrahim, and the Honourable Minister for State FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmud, alongside other influential women leaders.
The conference and awards, organised by the Inspiring Youths Africa Initiative & Magazine and Rest Logic Nigeria, will honour a diverse group of exceptional women for their contributions to society and leadership.
Among the distinguished recipients of the Inspire Her Award are Halima Buba, Chief Executive Officer of Sun Trust Bank; Hajiya Umma Getso, the 2019 Vice Presidential Candidate of the Young Progressive Party (YPP); Hon. Stella Okotete, Executive Director of NEXIM Bank; and Engr. Fatima Umar Farouk, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Women Affairs.
The conference will also highlight the achievements of other accomplished female leaders, aiming to inspire women across the continent and encourage resilience, inclusion, and progress.
With the theme “Accelerate Action: Building Resilience,” the conference will address key issues such as gender equality, leadership inclusion, human capital development, work-life balance, and poverty eradication.
In addition to the award ceremony, the event will feature keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and interactive sessions, creating a platform for dialogue on the challenges and opportunities facing African women today.
Attendees will have the chance to engage with top female leaders from both corporate and private sectors, share ideas, and explore potential solutions to enhance women’s roles in leadership and societal progress.
Amb. Jeremiah Agala, Executive Director of the Inspiring Youths Africa Initiative, and Co-Convener Dr. Joy Franklyn Ekemezie, emphasised that the conference would highlight the excellence, hard work, and resilience of African and Nigerian women.
“This year’s conference will feature the Inspire Her Fire Chat, a new addition designed to provide deeper insights into the journeys of our honourees and inspire the next generation of women leaders,” Agala said.
The event, which is expected to attract over 1,000 participants, will take place at the prestigious Nicon Luxury Hotels in Abuja, with a diverse audience that includes female youth leaders, students, women’s organisations, decision-makers, and the international community.
With a limited number of slots available, organisers are urging those interested to register early, as admission is strictly by registration.
The conference promises to be a powerful event, one that will not only celebrate the success of African women but also create pathways for future empowerment and leadership.
Early Sunday, a missile barrage targeted the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, injuring at least three individuals and igniting multiple fires, according to the city’s mayor. This attack occurred just two days after a Russian strike in President Volodymyr Zelensky’s hometown resulted in the deaths of 18 people.
Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that emergency services were dispatched to two districts within Kyiv, while the Ukrainian air force confirmed that missiles had penetrated the northern Chernihiv region.
“Explosions have been reported in the capital, and air defense systems are currently engaged,” Klitschko stated on Telegram. He urged residents to seek shelter, warning, “The missile assault on Kyiv persists.”
So far, three injuries have been recorded, with fires erupting in non-residential structures and damage inflicted on eight vehicles.
This onslaught coincides with U.S. President Donald Trump advocating for a partial ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine, over three years into Moscow’s extensive invasion, while also seeking to mend relations with the Kremlin.
Poland’s military announced that it, along with allied forces, had taken to the skies in response to Russian strikes near the western Ukrainian border, with ground-based air defense systems on high alert.
“Due to the heightened activity of long-range Russian aviation targeting locations within western Ukraine, Polish and allied aircraft operations in our airspace have commenced,” stated its operational command on X. “These measures are intended to ensure security in regions bordering the threatened zones.”
On Sunday, Russia’s defense ministry claimed that its air defense units had intercepted and destroyed 11 Ukrainian drones.
**Zelensky Critiques U.S. Response**
On Saturday, President Zelensky criticized the U.S. embassy for what he termed a “weak” statement that failed to hold Russia accountable for the recent deadly missile strike on his hometown of Kryvyi Rig.
The missile impacted a residential area near a children’s playground in central Ukraine, resulting in the tragic deaths of nine children, aged between three and 17. In a heartfelt social media post, Zelensky called out the U.S. embassy for its reluctance to name Russia as the aggressor.
“Regrettably, the American embassy’s response is surprisingly disappointing: such a powerful nation, yet such a feeble reaction,” Zelensky remarked. “They hesitate to even mention ‘Russian’ when discussing the missile that claimed the lives of children.”
Zelensky’s remarks followed a post by U.S. Ambassador Bridget Brink on X, expressing horror over the missile strike near a playground and restaurant. In his evening address, Zelensky emphasized, “It is both incorrect and perilous to remain silent about the fact that it is Russia perpetrating these crimes against children with ballistic missiles. This only emboldens the perpetrators in Moscow to continue their aggression and disregard diplomatic solutions.”
The president, who hails from Kryvyi Rig, where the pre-war population was approximately 600,000, conveyed his condolences and called for a three-day mourning period on April 7, 8, and 9.
“This is nothing short of a mass murder of civilians,” stated Oleksandr Vilkul, head of the Kryvyi Rig military administration.
Images shared by rescue services depicted several victims, with one body found near a playground swing. In response, Russia’s defense ministry claimed it executed a “precision strike” against a meeting of military commanders and Western instructors in the area. The Ukrainian army’s General Staff countered that Moscow was attempting to obscure its heinous actions and disseminating false information, labeling Russia’s actions as “war crimes.”
While Trump continues to encourage both sides to pursue a ceasefire, his administration has struggled to mediate a mutually acceptable agreement. Zelensky remarked that the missile attack underscored Russia’s lack of interest in halting its full-scale invasion.
The Ukrainian president reported “significant progress” following discussions with British and French military leaders in Kyiv on Friday. They explored plans for a “reassurance” force from London and Paris to be deployed to Ukraine if a resolution to the conflict is achieved.
Zelensky shared on social media that the meeting with British Chief of the Defence Staff Tony Radakin and French counterpart Thierry Burkhard yielded “the initial details on how the security contingent of partners can be deployed.” This initiative represents one of the latest efforts by European leaders to coordinate a response after Trump initiated direct negotiations with the Kremlin, sidelining them.
Hon Dr. Baffa Babba Dan’agundi the Director General of National Productivity Centre , NPC, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Abdullahi Abbas Sanusi and the resilient citizens of Kano State following the death of Alhaji Abbas Sanusi Bayero (The revered Galadima of Kano).
In a statement released, Dr. Dan’Agundi expressed his profound sorrow, stating that,
“The passing of Alhaji Abbas Sanusi Bayero is a significant loss not only to his family and the Kano Emirate but to the entirety of our beloved Kano State.
His contributions to our society, his commitment to the welfare of the people, and his remarkable leadership will always be remembered.”
Dr. Dan’Agundi acknowledged the pivotal role Alhaji Abbas Sanusi Bayero played in promoting peace, unity, and development within the community, emphasizing that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Commiserating with the family, he said,
“At this time of mourning, my thoughts and prayers are with the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas; and all the people of Kano State. May the Almighty grant them the strength to bear this great loss and grant eternal peace to the soul of our beloved Galadima.”
As the state remembers Alhaji Abbas Sanusi Bayero’s invaluable service and dedication, Hon Dr. Dan’Agundi urges all citizens to unite in honouring his memory and continue his vision for a prosperous and harmonious Kano State.
, DG , National Productivity Centre Commiserates with Kano Emirate , People of Kano State .
Hon Dr. Baffa Babba Dan’agundi the Director General of National Productivity Centre , NPC, has extended his heartfelt condolences to the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas, All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kano State, Abdullahi Abbas Sanusi and the resilient citizens of Kano State following the death of Alhaji Abbas Sanusi Bayero (The revered Galadima of Kano).
In a statement released, Dr. Dan’Agundi expressed his profound sorrow, stating that,
“The passing of Alhaji Abbas Sanusi Bayero is a significant loss not only to his family and the Kano Emirate but to the entirety of our beloved Kano State.
His contributions to our society, his commitment to the welfare of the people, and his remarkable leadership will always be remembered.”
Dr. Dan’Agundi acknowledged the pivotal role Alhaji Abbas Sanusi Bayero played in promoting peace, unity, and development within the community, emphasizing that his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.
Commiserating with the family, he said,
“At this time of mourning, my thoughts and prayers are with the Emir of Kano, Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero; Alhaji Abdullahi Abbas; and all the people of Kano State. May the Almighty grant them the strength to bear this great loss and grant eternal peace to the soul of our beloved Galadima.”
As the state remembers Alhaji Abbas Sanusi Bayero’s invaluable service and dedication, Hon Dr. Dan’Agundi urges all citizens to unite in honouring his memory and continue his vision for a prosperous and harmonious Kano State.