FGM: Nwangele Stakeholders Unite to End Evil Practices …Commend Imo First Lady, Others for support

ThankGod Emeh…

The stakeholders of Nwangele LGA Imo State has unanimously agreed to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the locality, stressing the health, and psychological implications of the the practice which they described as evil, inhumane and illogical from all ramifications.

The citizens of the Nwangele LGA made their stance against the ‘evil practice’ in “A One Day LGA Stakeholders Forum” Sensitization Programme at the Council Secretariat on Tuesday March 11, 2025.

The programme which was aimed at accelerating the abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) recorded endorsements from all and sundry in the locality including the Traditional Rulers, clergy, community heads, medical practitioners as well as the elites among other critical actors who frowned at the inhumane actions towards the girl child hence voted for immediate end to the practice, noting that FGM affects both male and females in the run long where complications of a wife indirectly and directly affects the psyche and performance of the husband.

Addressing the people, the LGA Chairman, Chief Paul Duru emphasized the need to end the FGM practice owing to its harmful cultural effects on innocent girl children, stating that the practice is an evil wind that blows no one any good right from its practical introduction to Igbo culture.

In her speech, the wife of the LGA Chairman, Mrs Maryann Duru stressed that FGM is evil against women as it creates emotional trauma for the girl child and deprives her of her choices and feelings as woman among other effects immediately and later in life.

Mrs Duru expressed appreciation to the First Lady of the State, Barr Chioma Uzodimma for initiating the programme as she called on parents, leaders, educators and advocates to proactively pass on the message and champion the abolishment of the practice to a conclusive end.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Imo State, Dr. Success Prosper-Ohayagha said the sensitization was crucial to end the age long FGM in the area to further save lives as he decried the place/position of Imo state on FGM index states chart.

Dr. Ohayagha equally charged the people to get rid of the practice at all costs, noting that “FGM is a violation of human rights, as well as physical, emotional and psychological well-being and has no medical justification

The Health Commissioner stressed that “FGM is a false believe that it checks promiscuous acts of the girl child hence urged the LGA Chairman and wife, Women leaders to enlighten the people to enroll in the Health Insurance Scheme, while assuring his readiness to partner with all stakeholders to Stamp out the monstrous practices.

The Executive Secretary of Imo state Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Rev. Sister (Dr) Maria Uzoma while highlighting the four (4) types of FGM practices across Igbo communities, pointed out that the dangers of FGM are enormous  hence the urgency to abolish the practice in the locality and Igbo society at large.

Dr Uzoma said that  has no benefit rather near death consequences such as increase in female and child mortality rates during delivery, chronic pelvic pains, urinary complications as well as infections, bleeding, anxiety and depression of the victims.

The Executive Secretary and Consultant Gynaecologist however lauded the Wife of the Governor, Barr Chioma Uzodimma, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Prosper Ohayagha and the LGA stakeholders for championing the advocacy to end the evil practice.

She charged the nursing students and professionals at the meeting to be vigilant and report all cases of FGM at any point of notice.

HOD Health Nwangele LGA, Mrs Madonna Alozie expressed happiness for the grassroots advocacy to end FGM in the locality as she lauded the LGA Stakeholders

She called on people to desist from the evil act before it is too late as the law is no respecter of any one.

Adding their voices, the LGA APC Women leader, Hon. Ifeoma Osuagwu and the Secretary of Nwangele Local Government Area (SECLOG), Barr Stan Ofoma thanked the Commissioner for Health, Dr Prosper Ohayagha and the participants for turning up en masse and assured the people of the Council’s determination to abolish FGM in the locality while urging the women to shun the evil practices and as well report all involved in the practice.