– Organizes One-Day Seminar
The Executive Chairman of Orlu Local Government Area, Imo State, Pastor Chris Mbarie, in a bid to educate and sensitize women on the dangers of female genital mutilation recently organized a one-day seminar.
The event which held at the Local Government Secretariat, organized in collaboration with the United Nations International Children Emergency Fund (UNICEF) was titled “Orlu LGA unites to end Female Genital Mutilation”.
The wife of the executive Chairman Mrs Okechukwu Augustina Mbarie, who presided over the event, described female genital mutilation as a violation of girls and womens’ fundamental human rights, including the right of health, security and dignity.
She spoke extensively on the negative effects of female genital mutilation which according to her has no health benefits but can lead to severe health complications, even death.
According to Mrs Mbarie, “It is important for men to say no to the harmful practice and send a strong message that female genital mutilation is unacceptable and will not be tolerated, that is why your support, your voice, your influence and your commitment to end female genital mutilation is needed.
“I want to acknowledge the effort of our First Lady *Barr Dr Chioma Uzodimma* in supporting the elimination of female genital mutilation in Imo State especially in Orlu LGA. Your Excellency, your commitment to the cause is inspiring and we are grateful for your partnership with *UNICEF* for providing support and guidance for individuals and communities affected by female genital mutilation.”
She stressed the need for the practice to be discontinued in Orlu and Imo State at large, since it has negative psychological impacts on the girl child ranging from losing trust, feeling of anxiety and depression. It becomes worse in adulthood, as the affected females more likely suffer infertility or complications during childbirth.
According to *UNICEF*, at least 230 million girls and women from 31 countries (including Nigeria) across three continents have been subjected to this barbaric practice.
Hon. Mbarie, impressed with the topic of discussion, especially with female students present to be enlightened, thanked and appreciated the women delegation which included the APC Imo State Woman leader, Chief Mrs. Ifeoma Ndukwuor doing justice to the issue of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) which simply refers to all procedures involving partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons, which should not be allowed to persist in Orlu local government Area, as it not only violates medical ethics but also dangerous to the society”.
