The entire communities in Afikpo North local government area of Ebonyi state at the declared war against the practice of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the area.
The communities which are eleven in number are made up of Itim, Ohaisu, Ibii/Oziza, Opi, Ugwuegu, Amasiri, Ndukwe Nkpoghoro, Amogu, Amata and Unwana.
Renouncing the age-long practice on Saturday, the people described it as harmful and obnoxious.
The activities that led to the proscription of this act took place at Amuro -Mgbom Primary School field in Afikpo North LGA, a public declaration of abandonment of FGM, organised by the National Orientation Agency (NOA) with support from UNICEF.
Speaking at the ocassion, Chairman of Afikpo North traditional rulers council, Dr Ewa Elechi said “we have come to the climax of this solemn ceremony. Solemn in the sense that something that started many years before I was born is being destroyed today finally; nobody is going to practice it again.
“We invited the women to destroy the tools of FGM because they do the practice and we are happy that they have all agreed to destroy all the things they use in doing this FGM,” he said.
Addressing the people, the state director of National Orientation
Agency (NOA), Dr Emman Abah said “FGM violates the basic rights of women and girls and seriously compromise their health and psychological wellbeing.”
“FGM is not only harmful, it is also against the wisdom of nature as it destroys the wholesome and beautiful work of women and girls as naturally created.
“FGM poses increased risk of HIV transmission, infection or prolonged bleeding, pro-longed labour, still-birth and maternal birth during child birth. It leaves lasting physical and emotional scars and an irreparable damage,” he said.
