By; BAYO AKAMO, Ibadan
Coordinator of Female Genital Mutilation/ Circumcision, (FGM/C) abandonment in Ilua community, Princess Adetona Victoria has advocated an end to the practice across Oyo State and Nigeria in general.
Princess Adetona maintained that FGM/C has been a source of concern and health challenges to the African society especially people living in the rural areas.
According to the Coordinator, ” this is why the UNFPA with funding support from Global Affairs and in conjunction with other concerned organisations like Center for Population and Reproductive Health (CPRH), Oyo state government and Rural People Development Initiative, organised a declaration program to sensitise Ilua community to the dangers associated with FGM / circumcision.”
She pointed out that girl child mutilation has been outlawed hence the need to put an end to the act due to the negative side effects of this heinous practice.saying, ” it
is against the law of Nigeria and Oyo state to practice FGM and anybody caught indulging in it will be arrested and prosecuted.
Princess Adetona stressed further that the program is being implemented throughout states in the country and that “Oyo State Government is trying their best to eradicate FGM in some towns in which the practice of FGM is prevalent like Oyo, Ogbomoso, Ibarapa,Okeho and so on.
Speaking on behalf of CPRH at the event, Mrs Justina Oladoye disclosed that FGM destroys female future careers and well being and naive and ignorant beliefs should be put aside to face realities of the dangers associated with FGM/Circumcision.
Mrs Oladoye while stating further that educating female and male children is very important urged parents and the community at large to cooperate with government and concerned organisations to eradicate FGM in Ilua and Oyo state at large.
Representative of Olugbuse of Ilua Land, Chief Emmanuel Egbeyale in his remarks implored the people of Ilua to cooperate with the government and the law enforcement agencies in eradicating FGM in the community.
Chief Egbeyale commended the Oyo state government, UNFPA and other concerned organizations for their selfless efforts to eradicate FGM in the community.
In conclusion a certificate of public declaration on FGM and circumcision abandonment was given to the community.
Those that graced the occasion included the security agencies, religious and community leaders,NURTW representatives and artisans.
