More communities stop female circumcision in Osun

The people of Adejuwon, Owode-Ede, Olasupo-Ede and Araromi in Ede North Local Government Area of Osun State on Monday joined the league of communities that have dumped female genital mutilation practice. The battle to end FGM in the state gained more ground owing to constant sensitisation by state ministries of Health, Women, Children and Social […]

The people of Adejuwon, Owode-Ede, Olasupo-Ede and Araromi in Ede North Local Government Area of Osun State on Monday joined the league of communities that have dumped female genital mutilation practice.

The battle to end FGM in the state gained more ground owing to constant sensitisation by state ministries of Health, Women, Children and Social Affairs with the support of Action Health Incorporated (AHI).

• Muslim, Christian leaders list evidences against female circumcision
• Community leaders monitor girls in Osun to prevent circumcision

The people thronged the community hall at Owode in large numbers and publicly declared FGM abandonment during an event organised by AHI in collaboration with the ministries and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The community leaders in the area, Mr Nureni Adebayo, Mr Salami Adegboye, Mr Rabiu Oloruntele and Mr Taiwo Lawal who spoke on behalf of their various communities, said the practice has become forbidden in their communities having realised its harmful consequences.

Similarly, in Ifelodun LG, four communities including Eko Ajala, Obaagun, Iba and Eko Ende also declared an end to the practice of female genital mutilation in their communities.

AHI representative Miss Abdulrasheed Nuriyah said the objective of the exercise was to ensure total eradication of FGM practice and secure the future of female children.

The Focal Point Person of the United Nations Population Fund on FGM in the state, Mrs Aduke Obelawo, reiterated that FGM is a dangerous practice and commended the communities for their commitment to end the practice.