UNICEF/NOA SEEK SUPPORT OF TRADITIONAL RULERS TO END FEMALE GENITAL MUTILATION IN ISU LGA

Reporter : CHINAZO ILECHUKWU

Traditional rulers in Isu Local Government area of Imo State have pledged to collaborate with the UNICEF to rid the communities of the harmful effects of female genital mutilation.

The Chairman of traditional Institution in the area and the royal father of Isu Njaba Community, Eze Basil Osuala gave the assurance in his palace during a meeting with representatives of UNICEF, National Orientation Agency (NOA) and other stakeholders in the fight against female genital mutilation.

Eze Osuala while acknowledging the negative health hazards associated with the ugly cultural practices, noted that monarchs in the area would sensitize both mothers and youths to the need to jettison the practice.

He explained that royal fathers would take advantage of the 2021 Women’s August meeting in the area to spread the message.

The UNICEF Consultant for Imo and Ebonyi States, Dr. Benjamin Mbakwem, said the essence of the meeting was to seek the consent of the royal fathers to sensitize their subjects to the need to abandon female genital mutilation.

Dr. Mbakwem highlighted some of the successes recorded so far in the campaign against female genital mutilation.
He noted that UNICEF in collaboration with partner agencies would set up Community Champions to commence the task of enlightening the people of Isu on the need to end the practice.