Millions of girls still at risk of genital mutilation in Nigeria ― Senator Olujimi

The Senator representing Ekiti South Senatorial District, Senator Biodun Olujimi on Wednesday raised the alarm over millions of girls and women who are still at risk of Genital Mutilation in the country.

Olujimi who made this known in a statement made available to newsmen on International Day for Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation demanded enforcement of legislation that has been put in place to protect the rights of women and girls in Nigeria.

According to her, “official statistics note that there is still high prevalence rate of Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria, with reports saying people now resort to seeking the services of health professionals, as opposed to traditional practitioners

“Whichever practitioner chosen does not alter the fact that this practice reigns dangerous and life-changing, with life-lasting mental and physical damage. Impediment to a fulfilling life and barrier to emotional stability bare also some of the aide effects

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“Therefore it is imperative that sensitisation and public awareness of this grievous harm to the bodies of girls and women must continue apace. The myth around this practice of being beneficial must be dismantled once for all.

It is a health risk and damaging socio-cultural norm and must be denounced as such,

“Hand in hand with this is the fact that policy and legislation that have been put in place to protect the rights of women and girls must be enforced and be seen to serve as a deterrent.

“Undoubtedly, there are millions of girls and women who are still at risk and this is why it behoves us all to speak out against this violation of right.”

The former Minority leader urged stakeholders like Royal Fathers, Faith-based organisations and women-centred organisations to continue in their efforts to educate about stop Mutilation and cutting of girls and women in Nigeria.