FIC Report (Ebonyi State) – The wife of the Ebonyi State Governor, Chief Mrs. Mary-Maudline Nwifuru, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to eliminating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), declaring that the harmful practice has no place in modern society and urging stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns to protect the rights and health of girls.
She made the call during the Ebonyi State Women’s Leadership Summit on the Elimination of Female Genital Mutilation, organised by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in collaboration with the Better Health for Rural Women, Children and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO), at the Women Development Centre, Abakaliki. The summit brought together wives of traditional rulers, women religious leaders, civil society organisations, survivors and other key stakeholders.
Addressing participants, Mrs. Nwifuru described FGM as a dangerous practice that exposes girls to severe pain, emotional trauma and lifelong health complications. She said the state government would sustain aggressive sensitisation to ensure total eradication of the practice.
The governor’s wife also called on members of the Ebonyi State House of Assembly to strengthen advocacy against FGM, stressing that every girl deserves to grow up in a safe environment free from harmful traditional practices.
“Together we are working to ensure that every girl child lives healthier and safer. We cannot continue to accept practices that put the lives of our daughters at risk. I urge all leaders present to promote the dignity of our girls. I remain committed to initiatives that advance the welfare, education and protection of women and girls,” she added.
Delivering a goodwill message, the World Health Organization (WHO) representative, Douglas Ogbueli, warned that FGM could result in lifelong trauma and urged participants to take the campaign to their various communities.
Ebonyi State commissioner for women affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Felicia Nwankpuma, also praised the First Lady’s sustained advocacy, assuring that participants would utilise the knowledge gained to strengthen the campaign across the state.
A Consultant Gynaecologist, Prof. Johnson Obunna, described FGM as medically unjustifiable, revealing that about 18 percent of the procedures are carried out by birth attendants, nurses and midwives. “There are no health benefits whatsoever. It is inhuman to cut off the female clitoris. Religious leaders should educate parents and even verify during child dedication that such harmful acts have not been carried out,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of UNFPA, the organisation’s representative pledged continued collaboration with Ebonyi State to strengthen support for survivors and promote justice.
BAKARE LAURETTA
HOC FIC ABAKALIKI
22/7/2026
