The government of Abia State has urged women groups, religious and non-governmental organizations to build a united front in campaign against female genital mutilation in the State.
The Wife of the Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti who made this known at the Trademore event centre, Umuahia during a programme organized to mark the 2024 Day against female genital mutilation in the State, said that female genital mutilation is a total violation of the rights of women.
"I am here not just as the Wife of the Governor, but as a mother and a staunch advocate for women's rights. Female genital mutilation is a total violation of the rights of our women and the girl child.."
The Wife of the governor who was represented by the wife of the deputy governor, Mrs. Adaeze Emetu urged the women to have zero tolerance towards the eradication of the inglorious act in the communities.
The Wife of governor urged women not to sit on the fence concerning the female genital mutilation, but cry out against the evil practice in their communities. According to Mrs. Priscilla Otti;
"the issue of female genital mutilation demands our immediate attention and united efforts. At this present age and time, I do not expect that any mother should sit on the fence, as reports has shown that a reasonable number of women especially in the rural areas still believes that female genital mutilation upholds the dignity of women, improves fertility.."
In her remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation in the State, Mrs. Blessing Felix said that the concept of female genital mutilation is a procedure involving the removal of external female genital organs, and called on all to contribute to ending the horrible atrocities committed against women.
In their contributions, the traditional ruler of Aro Ajatakiri autonomous community in Ikwuano local government area, Eze Larry Ogbonna, the deputy Mayor of Bende local government area, Mr. Onyedikachi Iroegbu and the Keynote Speaker at the event, Mrs. Princess Orie Agomuo said that there is no justification for the female genital mutilation because of the irreparable damage done to the women reproductive organ, and advocated for an end to the evil act in the various communities.
Speaking also, Guest lecturers Mrs. Onwusigh Chizaram, Mrs. Chidinma Alozie and the State President of National Council of Women Societies Mrs. Agnes Okorieafia said that the event is a welcome development and called for more spread of the message towards reduction of prevalence in the communities.
They harped for an end to all obnoxious cultural practices in the communities.
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