Group moves against female genital mutilation in Oyo, Osun, Ekiti

A NON-GOVERNMENTAL organisation, HACEY Health Initiative, has appointed community leaders in Ekiti, Oyo and Osun states as focal persons in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) exacerbation in the states.

The group aimed at improving the health of women and girls and advocating against all forms of gender-based violence by partnering with private and public organisations.

Executive Director of the organisation, Mrs. Rhoda Robinson, said: “In a view to achieving the aim, a two-day training programme was organised for the selected focal persons with the aim of increasing partnership in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation.”

She reiterated the commitment of the organisation to end the incidence of FGM cases in the communities and promote reporting of new cases, noting that those in attendance at the training were representatives of the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Health, women leaders, youth leaders, religious leaders, traditional leaders and Ministry of Women Affairs in each state represented.

Also, the Oyo State Focal Person on FGM, Mrs. Olawoyin Bilkisu, reiterated the harm caused by FGM and encouraged the health promotion officers to be courageous in executing their roles judiciously.