In a seminar marking the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) this February, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the wife of Abia State Governor, empowered five survivors of FGM with cash donations and urged the Nigerian government to establish measures to prohibit the harmful practice nationwide.
Speaking at the International Conference Centre in Umuahia, Mrs. Otti condemned FGM as a violation of the rights of girls and women, highlighting its severe health impacts, including pain, trauma, infections, childbirth complications, and long-lasting psychological effects.
She asserted, “FGM provides no medical benefits, it does not enhance childbirth safety, and it is not endorsed by any religion. Culture should protect life and dignity; any practice that harms girls and violates their bodily autonomy is an act of violence.”
Mrs. Otti noted that the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act has been enacted in Abia State, classifying FGM as a criminal offense.
However, she emphasized that laws alone cannot eliminate violence adding that effective implementation, education, reporting, and enforcement are vital and crucial to ensure the menace.
In her address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, expressed the emotional trauma and potential fatal consequences of FGM.
Represented by Mrs. Chinenye Nwaka, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Women Affairs, she affirmed the government’s commitment to protecting girls’ rights and eradicating FGM by 2030.
Experts, including Mrs. Onyinyechi Nwosu of the Child Protection Network, Barrister Chidimma Alozie of FIDA, Naomi Chinyere of Caritas Nigeria and Dr. Ngozi Okechukwu, echoed the need for collective action from stakeholders, traditional leaders, and faith-based organizations to enhance campaigns aimed at eliminating this harmful practice.
They reaffirmed that legislation alone is insufficient and called for sustained commitment and investment to effect the needed change.
