Osun communities end FGM practice

Residents of twenty communities in Osogbo, Ede North, Orolu, and Egbedore Local Government Areas of Osun, have publicly abandoned the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).

The public declaration ceremony which was held for four days across the 4 LGAs, had in attendance the First Lady of Osun State, government officials, and other key stakeholders.

Traditional rulers, as well as community and religious leaders during the events, unanimously agree to abandon the harmful practice of FGM.

The communities that declared FGM abandonment include Iludun, Ibu aje, Baba kekere, Owode, Ga fulani baba pupa, Aiyeloja, Railway, Olorunsogo, Tanimola, Ibiyemi, Ifedayo, Oke Alafia, Serafu, Janta, Jamondo, Omoyiola, Oke Ayo, Oke Odo, Eesa Tuntun, and Aga.

Speaking during one of the events, the Gender/ FGM Analyst for United Nations Populations Fund, Mrs Uzoma Ayodeji, said by abandoning FGM, the communities have broken free from a harmful tradition that has caused suffering and inequality for a long time.

Mrs Ayodeji saluted the participants’ bravery and conviction, urging them not to stop in their effort to reduce FGM practice in the state to zero level.

She said, “Today marks a significant milestone in our collective journey towards a world where every girl and woman can live a life free from harm and violence.

“I’m honoured to represent UNFPA at this public declaration event where twenty communities in Osun state boldly declare their abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation.

“Your courageous decision is a testament to your commitment to the well-being, dignity, and human rights of your daughters, sisters, wives, and mothers. By abandoning FGM, you are breaking free from a harmful tradition that has caused suffering and inequality for a long time. So, UNFPA salutes your bravery and conviction. We recognise the effort of the community leaders and kingmakers who have worked tirelessly to bring about this transformative change.”

In her words, the Program Officer, Action Health Incorporated, Fatimah Idris, appreciated the communities for coming out to declare an end to FGM.

Idris said female circumcision is a harmful act that needs to be eradicated totally, adding that FGM has reduced drastically in the state.

She urged the participants not to relent in their fight against the practice of FGM in their communities.

She also appealed to the participants to report anyone caught engaging in such practice to the security agencies.

“On behalf of Action Health Incorporated, I want to thank you for coming out to declare an end to FGM in your communities. This is commendable.

“I want to appeal to everyone here not to relent in the advocacy toward ending FGM in Osun State. It is our collective effort to end this harmful act.

“Also, we should not hesitate to report or hand over anyone caught engaging in this harmful act to security agencies.”

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