Dr Leo Igwe, Nigerian humanist, scholar of religion, and director of Advocacy for Alleged Witches, founder and chair, Humanist Association of Nigeria, has been elected Vice President of Humanists International. The election happened at the organisation’s World Congress and General Assembly held in Ottawa, Canada, August 7-9 2026.
Igwe, a prominent voice for humanism, critical thinking and the protection of vulnerable people from harmful religious practices, becomes the second African and first Nigerian to serve as Vice President of the global humanist organisation. He succeeds Ghanaian humanist Roslyn Mould. Founded in 1952, HI is a umbrella organization for humanists, atheists and agnostics worldwide. It aims to provide a sense of community to all who seek to live hapliky, ethically and responsibly without religion or belief in a deity.
A founding figure in Nigeria’s organised humanist movement, Igwe has spent decades advancing reason, and secular ethics, human rights, freedom of thought and evidence-based approaches to addressing social problems. His advocacy against witchcraft accusations, religious extremism and superstition related abuses has gained international recognition.
Commenting on his election, Dr Igwe said:
“As the Vice President I will relentlessly work to ensure that Humanists International effectively addresses the threat of religious nationalism and extremism and provides a robust alternative to dogmatic religions and supernatural faiths to all who subscribe to humanist values, ethics and cosmology around the globe.”
His election marks another significant milestone in the growing contribution of African humanists to the global humanist movement.
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https://humanists.international/2026/08/world-humanist-congress-welcomes-over-500-delegates/
