More communities in Osun State have declared end to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and introduced sanctions, including banishment and fines, for anyone that “cuts” a girl.
While the people of Ilesa West Local Government Area imposed fines ranging from N10,000 to N50,000 on the violators, the people of Atakumosa West Local Government said violators would be banished for six months.
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The people of Olowogbowo, Ajimoko, Alafia Quarters, Ayetoro and Concord, Oke-Bode, Osunjela, Oke-Osin, Kajola and Prince communities in the two LGAs declared this at an event organised by Action Health Incorporated, (AHI) in collaboration with the state’s Ministries of Health and Women and Children Affairs with the support of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
The community leaders, Rev. Arowolo Alonge, Mr. Sadare Oladepo, Mr. Rufu Olayinka, Chief Abiola Ayeni and Chief Awodola, said the decision was unanimously taken after realising the danger associated with the practice.
The AHI Programme Officer, Miss Abdulrasheed Nuriyah, said the objective of the exercise was to ensure and secure full commitment of the communities on FGM abandonment in their areas.
FGM Analyst with UNFPA, Uzoma Ayodeji, expressed joy over the development and charged the people of the communities to ensure total eradication of the practice.
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