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This is a welcome development for people suffering from the horrible effects of female genital mutilation, FGM.
The Ekiti State Government, after a meeting held in Ado-Ekiti on Friday morning, has vowed to enforce existing laws against female genital mutilation to discourage the practice in the state.
The meeting, attended by the wives of the Governor of Oyo State, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi and her counterpart from Osun State, Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola, was sponsored by the United Nations Population Fund, United Nations Children Emergency Fund and the Action Health Incorporated.
According to the UNFPA, Nigeria has one-quarter of circumcised women worldwide while Ekiti State has 71.2% prevalence rate.
Mrs. Fayose said, “We have also got assurances from our amiable governor for the enforcement of the existing legislations against the practice.
“I am glad to inform you that we have the political will to prosecute violators of the laws in this regards. We are sure this will curb to a large extent those who submit their female wards for the practice and the practitioners in all ramifications.”
Her husband, Governor Ayodele Fayose described the act as “evil and ungodly and said the penalty would be “without an option of fine because the act destroys the whole life of a girl.”
In her address, Mrs. Ajimobi, while decrying the high incidence of cutting of female genitals, stressed the need “to bring the practice to zero level.”
Mrs. Aregbesola, who played host to the last meeting in Osogbo, said, “We cannot continue with this practice as we seek a healthier lifestyle for our children.
“Given the established knowledge that there is no health benefit accruing from the practice of FGM, we have a duty, as patents, friends, relatives, guardians and leaders in our communities, to ensure that we stop this practice. The time to stop is now.”
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