Uzodimma declares wars against Female Genital Mutilation in Imo

Photo:R-L: APC National Chairman, Dr Abdulahi Ganduje; Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma; his wife, Chioma; Minister of Women Affairs, Imaan Suleima-Ibrahim, and UNICEF Rep., Ibrahim Sise, during the commemoration of the International Day for Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation held at Rockview Hotel, Owerri… Thursday

Governor Hope Uzodimma has promised to fight against the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in Imo State, enjoining parents, traditional rulers, religious leaders, the law enforcement agencies, the civil society organisations and development partners to come on board with him to fight the practice.

He spoke Thursday in Owerri during the 

commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), organised by the Office of the First Lady Imo State, Her Excellency, Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma, in collaboration with the United Nations International Children  Education Fund (UNICEF).

In his remarks, the Governor called for an urgent domestication of war against FGM Programmes, maintaining that the domestication should be taken to rural communities where the Traditional Rulers and all Stakeholders will play a role in bringing FGM  to an end in Imo.

The Governor regretted that the rate of FGM is high in Imo and urged parents to take the chunky of blame for the malaise.

Admonishing them to abhor such practices and work to stop FGM now, he reiterated, however, that it is the responsibility of all concerned to fight to end the old practice in the 21st century. 

‘There is a new digital order in the 21st century that abhors those cultures and traditions that are not kind to mankind. 

There is no other way to fight FGM outside such gatherings like this that brings all together,” he said, emphasising that “when there will be such gathering next year in Imo State there will be zero tolerance.”

 “We are almost there, and we must succeed.”

Governor Uzodimma also thanked the UNICEF and other agencies for their support and partnership with the Office of Imo State First Lady on the matter.

In her keynote address, the First Lady of Imo State,  Barr. (Mrs.) Chioma Uzodimma informed that the programme was aimed at creating awareness as well as a “clarion call to action.”

“Too many girls and women continue to endure this deeply harmful practice every day,” she said, noting, “this year’s theme is apt – “Step Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM.”

Mrs. Uzodimma reaffirmed her unwavering commitment to ending FGM in Imo State and Nigeria at large, regretting that Nigeria has the third-highest number of women and girls who have undergone FGM globally.

The Imo First Lady called for increased awareness of the medical consequences and its severe and long lasting trauma, and noted that “education is the most potent weapon to stem FGM in the State.”

She commended the Governor for his consistent commitment in advancing the rights and well-being of women and the girl-child in Imo State, and thanked the strategic partners – UNICEF, and other developmental partners –  for their support and fight against FGM. 

In her goodwill address, the Hon Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Imaan Suleiman- Ibrahim, maintained that “FGM is not a tradition to be preserved. It is a grave violation of human rights, a brutal form of gender-based violence, and serious public health crisis which should not be encouraged.”

The Minister regretted that Nigeria is ranked the third-highest number in FGM globally,  which she said was unacceptable, and challenged all to step up the fight against FGM.

 “We must break the cycle of harmful traditions and protect our daughters from violation.” 

The minister called on State governments, traditional rulers, community leaders, civil society organisations, the media and every Nigerian, to take a stand and end female genital mutilation now.

The Minister reaffirmed that her office is working towards strengthening the VAPP and Child Rights Act laws in increasing, creating public awareness, and fostering grassroots advocacy, hinting that presently the 35 states and the FCT have adopted the VAPP Act, which criminalises FGM.

While stressing that full nationwide enforcement remains a priority, she called for larger vision to empower and protect women and the girl-child, and disclosed that the World Bank has supported Nigeria for Women Scale-Up Project, just as she said that the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has commenced the implementation aimed at empowering 4.5 million women.

In his goodwill message,  the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje commended the visionary leadership of Governor Uzodimma and his wife for recognising the importance of fighting the menace of bad cultural issues. 

He pointed out that such social programme should be entrenched in the communities where moderation and changes can be made in their culture, and called for awareness campaign to stop FGM, especially among the rural populace.

Also in his goodwill message, the Chief Child Protection Officer of  UNICEF, Ibrahim Sise reiterated that Nigeria ranks the third in FGM globally, adding that significant change has not occurred in Imo State, hence the need for greater sensitisation and campaign.

He challenged all to join hands to ensure the eradication of FGM practices in Imo State and commended the Office of the Imo State First Lady for rising to the occasion.

In his goodwill message, the Imo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Aboki Danjuma who was represented said the Police are prepared to protect the rights of women and the girl-child and charged all to desist from any form of FGM which he said runs contrary to the laws of Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The event was attended by large turnout of women and other stakeholders from the traditional institution, religious institution, civil society organisations, political leaders, the youth, among others.