It is now illegal for Parents to inscribe Tribal marks on their children in Ekiti. similarly tatto is also banned .


http://odili.net/news/source/2006/jun/12/15.html


Is this a Right step?

The tattoo part is a bit too far. But I support the ban on tribal marks. No one should have to have permanent marks carved on their face with out their consent.

Ethnic scarification (aka tribal marks) played a very functional role in pre-colonial Nigerian societies. In the modern world, that role has become meaningless. A child should not have to go through the torture of ridicule all his/her life because of a decision in which he/she had no part. The practice should only be banned on children below a certain age however, say 18, 21?

Banning the practice without educating the would be subscribers (illiterate parents for example) of the meaninglessness of the act is only going halfway and that us not satisfactory.

If an adult decides to get a facial scarification or tattoo, it is up to them, and it should not be for the government to decide whether or not they can get it.

This is a good step to protect defenceless children from their ignorant parents. Children are not properties.

If there's a plastic surgeon who can surgically remove tribal marks, such a surgeon will make a lot of money.

I'm concerned about the specific details of the law, but we already know that it'll not be efficiently enforced.

The issue is, of course, a little more complex than it seems at first glance. I think we have so far been addressing this issue only within the context of ethnic identification. Like I said earlier, it is totally meaningless and not called for in a modern world. But parents do not always administer facial scarification because they consider their children as property.

One other reason many people get facial scarifications is because it is tied to ritualistic beliefs. In the case of a seriously sick infant, a helpless, illiterate parent who is poor and has no access to free health care may opt for a traditional healer and the prescribed sickness may involve the scaring of the child's face.

How does the govt. expect parents in such a situation to deal with such a scenario? Live with the torture of not knowing if their child will live or do whatever lies within their power to do, albeit based on limited knowledge? If govt. does not provide the necessary health care and education to its citizens, then such a ban is at the best shortshrift, and at the worst hypocritical.

The fact that in the 21st century Nigerians still get facial scarifications for health and security reasons only reveals shortcomings of the govt. to provide basic health care, security and education.

The tribal marks own i support. The tatoo own, is a bit too far.

Hopefully somebody will be able to start a new face jewelry business. That will make available traditional African scarification patterns.

In 200 years they'll wear the face jewelry in memory of their ancient traditions on that holiday.

@Drusilla

Creative business proposal. Are you proposing a national holiday in honor of facial scarification?

Alarinjo,

No I am saying when they have a one day or so holiday to honor their anscestors. Then they can wear the face jewelry as part of the holiday costume.

Sounds very cool!

Interesting, good idea I guess, though most "unnecessary" cultural norms die out naturally as a society becomes more educated.

Enforcement now becomes the issue, especially the provisions banning child hawking. Money can be very powerful motivation for law-breaking.

Mocha,

I agree.

Wouldn't it have been nice for the people if instead of the stick alone.

They also got the carrot?

Facial scarring must end and we will enforce that by law.

However, the beauty and uniqueness of facial scarring designs however will be preserved in the so and so muesem and the muesem will also sell facial jewelry that is glued on (just like regular facial jewelry now) in the design of the specific tribe. (at least until others pick up on the selling of it.)

Tourists could buy their own facial jewelry, take pictures in it.

Africans are generally only offered the stick in this world, it would be good if we could think ourselves to offer the carrot.

the tribal mark should be permanently banned, at least so that they can look like normal human beings

hooray for the law.but lets hope it would be implemented properly. at least children in ekiti state wont have to have their faces permanently disfigured, especially when they have no say in the matter. my problem is Nigeria has issues with continuity.the next governor might not see it as an issue and so be lackadaisical bout the whole thing. well other states should learn and follow suit.so also the other arms of government should all work together to make it a reality.

the tribal mark is understandable , but i believe that everyone has the right to decide if thy want a tatoo or not

I have tattos. Will i be stopped at the gates of Ekiti state?

He did ban tribal marks but refused to ban political murders in Ekitu state?

earTHMama:

He did ban tribal marks but refused to ban political murders in Ekitu state?

He cant ban who he supposedly is.

Ekiti,just a nest of killers