Imo State Government just doubled down on wiping out Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) by 2030, sealing the deal with a communique and public pledges at a fiery stakeholders’ forum in Owerri on Wednesday. Teaming with UNFPA, WHO, traditional rulers, and more, they’re turning the tide against this brutal violation of girls’ health and dignity.
Governor Hope Uzodimma’s wife, Chioma, nailed it: “FGM is violence, not culture” – spotlighting February’s anti-FGM action plan and urging queens to sway kings for total eradication. Despite legal bans, UNFPA data shows pockets linger, but Imo’s hitting targets: FGM among women 15-49 plunged from 61.7% (2018) to 34.3% (2024), and girls 0-14 from 62.8% to 14.6%!
UNFPA’s Dr. Muriel Mafico hailed Imo’s leadership amid Nigeria’s national drop from 20% to 14%, crediting community shifts and young parents rejecting the cut. House Speaker Chike Olemgbe pledged lawmakers’ megaphone to preach zero tolerance.
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