NOA in Imo State warns against female circumcision.

Parents and Caregivers in Imo State have been reminded of the need to desist from circumcising  their female children to avoid health hazard inherent in the practice.

The  State Director, National Orientation Agency, Mr. Vitus Ekeocha  made the remark at a two day training organized in Owerri for Community Advocates which focused on eradication of female genital mutilation and cutting.

Mr. Ekeocha noted that the practice was not only dehumanizing but often led to complications especially during child birth.

“When you circumcise a girl child’ you are causing health and psychological damage to her. We discovered that most women who undergo female genital cutting find it difficult during labor and it may even after affect the Urethra”.

Mr. Ekeocha called on participants in the workshop to see themselves as change agents in their communities by sensitizing  the people to the dangers of female circumcision.

In an interview, some of the participants, Mrs. Edith Achodo and Mr. ChibuzorNdukwe promised to champion the crusade against the practice.

“I will tell a lot of women that attend antenatal to stop doing that.’’

“It is wrong according to what we learnt here. The practice is evil, so we should let them know that they should not allow such things to be done again in their lives.”

The participants were drawn from twenty five communities of Ehime Mbano, Ideato North, IhitteUboma, OwerriMunicipal  andOwerri West Local Government Areas.

BY CHINAZO ILECHUKWU