Osun Govt Warns Against Female Circumcision, Says Culprit Risks Jail Term

The Osun State Ministry of Women Affairs, Children and Social Welfare has warned residents against circumcision of female children, noting that anyone found guilty will face the law.

The Ministry gave the warning on Saturday, during a Consensus Building on Female Genital Mutilation Abandonment in Osogbo Local Government Area of the state.

The Ministry’s Director of Gender Affairs, Mrs Lola Adewale, noted that female Circumcision is not an antidote to promiscuity.

She added that the short and long-term effects of Female Genital Mutilation are huge which sometimes may lead to death.

The program organised by a Non-Governmental Organisation, Action Health Incorporated with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and collaboration with the state government was aimed at creating a synergy between the law enforcement agencies and community leaders in the LGA.

Adewale told the participants who include, security agents, community heads and other key stakeholders that the law is there to punish anyone caught in the act.

“Female Genital Mutilation is a cultural belief and a misconception that requires change. There is a need for all key stakeholders to be advocates for the eradication of FGM.

“We’ve talked about the law and our security agents have assured us of their support. So, whoever sees anyone trying to perform circumcision on a girl child should report to the security agencies.

“People believe the practice of Female Genital Mutilation is an antidote to promiscuity but it is not. That’s why we give the health consequences of the practice which at times, leads to death.”

She added that the Osun stats VAP law states that “The performance of FGM or engagement of another to perform FGM carries a punishment of imprisonment not exceeding four years or a fine not exceeding N200,000 or both.

“Attempting to perform FGM or engaging another to perform FGM carries a punishment of imprisonment not exceeding two years or a fine not exceeding 100,000 or both.”

Speaking earlier, a representative of Action Health Incorporated, Fatimah Idris, noted that the organization has received positive responses for its campaigns, adding that FGM has reduced in Osun State.

“Our campaigns have been yielding positive results. We have been receiving success stories of people who wanted to mutilate their girl child but changed their opinion after our campaign.

“Also, record shows that the issue of female genital mutilation has decreased in Osun State. So, there has been a great impact,” she added.