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Message: [QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 39615, member: 636"] A local group is urging Akwa Ibom State leaders to reconsider the high costs associated with burials and marriages. The Open Forum informed government officials that families cannot afford the high costs associated with ceremonies. Matthew Koffi Okono leads the organization and spoke to reporters about the problem on Tuesday. The group says current practices force people to abandon dead relatives at hospitals because they lack money. Other Nigerian states have already passed new laws to help families with funeral and wedding costs. One woman stayed at a morgue for seven years because her family could not pay the burial fees. Traditional rules require families to provide seven goats or cows along with cash and other items before burying loved ones. Many young people cannot get married because wedding ceremonies are too expensive for average families. Open Forum advocates for the state assembly to enact new laws to establish fair prices for ceremonies. Church groups should also review their policies about funeral and marriage requirements. The organization complained that local leaders fail to help resolve family disputes. Village chiefs and traditional rulers often fail to provide proper guidance when families face hardships. Open Forum suggests training programs for community leaders to teach them conflict resolution skills. Governor Umo Eno could gain respect from citizens if he supports these changes. Lower costs would help more families honor their dead relatives with dignity. [/QUOTE]

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