NGO Sensitises Osun Community On Dangers Of Female Circumcision
A Non-Governmental Organisation, Action Health Incorporated (AHI), on Thursday, sensitised the people of Alajue community in Ede South Local Government Area of Osun State on the need to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation in the state.
The sensitisation, which was done through the Association for Icon Breeders and Life Changing Empowerment (AILIFE) with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), was to enlighten the community members on the dangers of FGM.
AILIFE is one of the community-based organisations in Osun state selected by AHI to support the anti-FGM implementation in project communities.
Speaking at the programme, the Director of Gender Affairs, Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare, Mrs Lola Adewale, noted that female Circumcision is not an antidote to promiscuity.
She warned residents against the circumcision of female children, noting that anyone found guilty will face the law.
Mrs Adewale, who told the gathering that Female Genital Mutilation cases were reducing in the state, urged traditional rulers and other stakeholders to ensure the total elimination of the practice in Osun.
She also lauded Action Health Incorporated and the United Nations Population Fund for supporting the state government to end the practice.
She said, “The state government is urging the Alajue community to join hands in the elimination of Female Genital Mutilation in Osun State. Female circumcision is not an antidote to promiscuity. In fact, it causes more damage to a woman’s body in the short and long term.
“In 2003, Osun State recorded the highest prevalence of FGM in Ede local government. Since that time, we’ve been working with different organisations, including Action Health Incorporated to ensure the elimination of FGM in the local government and in Osun entirely.
“The case of FGM is reducing, but we are still urging our traditional rulers, community leaders, and key stakeholders that issues of FGM have to be stopped and become a thing of the past in the state.”
In her remarks, the Programme Director, Association for Icon Breeders and Life Changing Empowerment (AILIFE), Mrs Amaechi Ezeakolam, appreciated the community members for their cooperation throughout the sensitisation programme.
She urged the participants to adhere to what they were told during the programme, noting that FGM can only cause danger for the girl child.
“Today, we are having a dialogue with Alajue community on the abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation. This is a sensitisation programme.
“The community members have been very supportive, and we’ve been able to let them know the danger of FGM, and we have a fruitful dialogue with them.
“We have seen their willingness to listen and end Female Genital Mutilation in the community, and we are glad for that. I want to urge the community members to adhere to what we’ve enlightened them on and pass the message to other members who were not privileged to be in the meeting,” Mrs Ezeakolam stated.
Kazeem Badmus is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience. A professional in journalism and media writing, Kazeem prioritses accuracy and factual reportage of issues. He is also a dexterous finder of the truth with conscious delivery of unbiased and development oriented stories.
