•As Five Communities In Ede North Declare End To FGM
Osun State First Lady, Mrs Titilola Adeleke, has appealed to residents of the state to stop shielding parents who engaged in Genital Mutilation of their daughters.
Mrs Adeleke warned that the practice is harmful and has serious complications, adding that anyone caught should be handed over to security agencies.
The first lady made the appeal on Wednesday during the pubic declaration ceremony of abandonment of FGM in five communities in Ede North Local Government Area of the state.
The communities are; Aiyeloja, Railway, Olorunsogo, Tanimola and Ibiyemi.
Mrs Adeleke urged the participants to continue advocating for the eradication of FGM in the state.
She said, “I want to urge our parents to continue this advocacy wherever you are. It is now a crime to circumcise our female children and anyone caught in the act will face the law.
“I am also using this opportunity to charge our people that whenever you see anyone who engages in this act, call the attention of the security agents, or the community leaders should hand the person over to the security agencies.
“We must eradicate the practice of Female Genital Mutilation in Osun State and it is the duty of everyone to make sure we achieve this feat. This is why I’m urging everyone to come together and ensure that we record 100 percent success in this journey”.
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Earlier in her welcome address, gender FGM Analyst for United Nations Populations Fund, Mrs Uzoma Ayodeji, appreciated the communities for declaring an end to FGM.
She said, “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards a world where every girl and woman can live a life free from harm and violence.
“I’m honoured to represent UNFPA at this public declaration event where five communities in Ede North boldly declare their abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation.
“Your courageous decision is a testament to your commitment to the well-being, dignity, and human rights of your daughters, sisters, wives, and mothers.
“By abandoning FGM, you are breaking free from a harmful tradition that has caused suffering and inequality for a long time. So, UNFPA salutes your bravery and conviction. We recognise the effort of the community leaders and kingmakers who have worked tirelessly to bring about this transformative change.”
In her words, the Program Officer, Action Health Incorporated, Fatimah Idris, urged the participants to keep to their promise of ending FGM.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
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