Stop Female Genital Mutilations, Oyo Leaders Urge Residents

– Taofeek Mariam, Oyo State.

Following series of female genital mutilation abuses across the country, the leaders in Isoko, Lagbedu, Ibapon and Oke-Ogun communities in Oyo State have urged the residents for maximum precaution.

The call was made during a public declaration ceremony to put an end to Female Genital Mutilation (F.G.M.C), held at Atobatele Hall Ogbomoso and Oke-Ogun in Oyo State.

In collaboration with the United Nations Fund For Population Activities (UNFPA) and United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) of Nigeria.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Olatunji Babatunde who represented the Executive Secretary of the Ministry of Health in Oyo State emphasized on the importance of culture in the society.

He stressed that as important as culture is, there are aspects of culture that negate development and one of such is female genital mutilation, asserting that the present government is taking proactive measures on the matter.

It was gathered on the significant roles of the participants to ensure women are protected from the harmful acts and other practices in the nation, that accelerated measures be taken towards the abandonment of female genital mutilation, cutting in Nigeria.

Mrs. Oluwatoyin Balikis in her speech affirmed that Female Genital Mutilation doesn’t have any health benefit, but cautions leaders, youths over female genital mutilation acts, saying, the notion that unmutilated girls mostly engage in promiscuous act and prostitution has become an issue of the past.

Mrs Akinpelu from Ministry of Women Affairs in the state could not just but implored parents to protect their children over female genital matters, called for mutual understanding within the families.

The event was graced by the traditional leaders among whom were Oba Amuda Akintoye, Chief Oseni Jimoh, Chief Samuel Orodiran, representative of Alasoko, Chief Abigael Olawuyi among others.

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