The residents of Osun State have been warned against the old practice of female genital mutilation in the state, AMILOADED reports.
The wife of the Osun State Governor and President, IleriOluwa Development Initiatives, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola, gave the warning in Ilobu, the headquarters of Irepodun Local Government Area of Osun State during a public declaration on abandonment of female genital mutilation by five different communities in the area.
The Osun first lady who was accompanied by the wives of top government officials in the state expressed happiness and satisfaction with the public declaration on the abandonment of female genital mutilation by the five communities.
She noted that the cheering news came after a six month of sensitisation engagements and mobilisation through dialogues and consensus building initiative among stakeholders in the State of Osun by her N.G.O, IleriIOluwa Development Initiatives
Mrs Oyetola, at the event, also appreciated the United Nations Population Funds’ Activities and Action Health Incorporated for their consistent gestures and supports in making life better for all categories of people especially the girls and women who are always at the centre stage of this age long harmful practises.
She particularly recalled the interventions of the United Nations on a number of development oriented issues which she added have been central to the growth and development of the entire society.
The Osun first lady did not mince words in acknowledging the roles and supports of traditional rulers in the rigorous campaign aimed at putting in abeyance this age long dangerous act.
The I.O.D president and WASH ambassador in the state of Osun also recalled that in January last year she had good cause to visit the Ologele Community where people declared their resolve to stop Female Genital Mutilation.
Mrs Oyetola said she believes that with the series of declaration being made by various Communities in Irepodun Local government and other local governments,the entire society will soon heave a sigh of total relief on this hazardous practise of F.G.M.
While reemphasising its many dangerous side effects, Mrs Oyetola maintained that it has no benefit of any kind to the girls and women who are mostly the victims over the years.
Mrs Oyetola, therefore, called on other communities who are yet to make an open declaration of their denouncement of female genital mutilation to do so with immediate effect for the overall happiness and development of the society.
The Osun first lady’s delegation was at the occasion entertained with different cultural activities and displays by the natives as a mark of their love for Mrs Oyetola and her efforts to make the Society a better place for girls and women all the time .
Certificates of participation were later presented by the first lady to the various Communities.
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