Mrs. Otti leads Fights Against Female Genital Mutilation in Abia
By Yahaya Idris, Abia
First lady of Abia and wife of Governor Alex Otti, Her Excellency, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has reaffirmed her commitment to eradicating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the state, calling on traditional rulers, stakeholders, and non-governmental organizations to intensify efforts in the fight against this harmful practice.
She emphasized the need for collective action to protect the rights and well-being of girls and women in Abia State, and to ensure that FGM is eradicated once and for all.
Mrs. Otti also highlighted the importance of education and awareness-raising campaigns to change attitudes and behaviors towards FGM, and to promote a culture of respect for human rights and dignity.
During her address at the Obingwa Local Government Secretariat in Ngboko, commemorating the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, Mrs. Otti – represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Maureen Aghukwa – denounced FGM as a barbaric act resulting in untimely deaths and severe health complications for girls and women.
The event, themed “Step Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End Female Genital Mutilation,” was organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Women Affairs, the Ministry of Basic and Tertiary Education, and the Abia State Orientation Agency.
Mrs. Otti stressed the need for collective action, urging all stakeholders to work together in ensuring a future where no girl or woman suffers the devastating consequences of FGM.
She restated her unwavering commitment to supporting organizations and individuals dedicated to restoring the fundamental human rights of girls and women in Abia State.
The Abia first ladyi praised Governor Alex Otti’s leadership, acknowledging his dedication to eradicating harmful cultural practices that put women and girls at risk.
She emphasized the significance of his administration’s proactive measures to prevent FGM, which will ultimately lead to its eradication in Abia State. By taking these steps, Governor Otti’s administration is making a significant contribution to the global effort to end FGM and promote the health, safety, and well-being of women and girls.
In her address, the Director-General of the Abia State Orientation Agency, Madam Ure Abazie, commended Mrs. Otti for her unwavering dedication to combating gender-based violence and her tireless efforts to establish Abia as a state with zero tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a practice that has been widely condemned by human rights organizations and health professionals alike.
By recognizing Mrs. Otti’s contributions, Madam Abazie emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts in eradicating FGM and promoting gender equality in Abia State.
Also speaking at the event, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Princess Agomoh, strongly condemned the various forms of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), emphasizing its detrimental effects on women’s health, including pelvic inflammatory diseases, severe bleeding, and other long-term complications such as infertility and increased risk of maternal and newborn deaths.
She urged women to take a stand against the practice, calling on them to be advocates for their own health and well-being. Furthermore, she called on traditional rulers to lead the campaign in their communities, emphasizing the crucial role they play in shaping cultural norms and practices.
The Mayor of Obingwa Local Government Area, Mr. Maxwell Nwadike, commended Governor Alex Otti and his wife for their remarkable initiatives against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), a practice that has been a longstanding concern in the region.
He pledged his administration’s full support in spreading awareness and ensuring the message reaches every corner of the state, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in eradicating this harmful practice.
During their separate addresses, Mrs. Chidinma Alozie and Mrs. Onwubiko urged parents to prioritize building strong, loving relationships with their daughters, thereby creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental space for them to grow and thrive.
This emotional connection is vital for girls’ emotional, psychological, and social development. The speakers also emphasized the importance of teaching girls the fear of God, which helps them develop a strong moral foundation, guiding them to make informed decisions and live a purposeful life.
Furthermore, they reminded the audience of the Abia State Government’s commitment to eliminating Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) through legislation, which imposes stringent penalties on perpetrators and safeguards the health, rights, and dignity of girls and women.
On behalf of the revered Obingwa Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Chinyere Emmanuel conveyed sincere appreciation to Mrs. Otti for her tireless efforts in promoting women’s rights and empowering them to take their rightful place in society.
He offered prayers for divine blessings to be bestowed upon her as she remains steadfast in her commitment to advancing the cause of women, fostering a culture of equality and inclusivity, and leaving a lasting legacy in the state.
The event offered a unique opportunity for engagement through its interactive sessions, including a detailed question-and-answer segment that facilitated dialogue and exchange of ideas, and drew a sizable attendance of distinguished government officials, respected traditional rulers, and various other key stakeholders who contributed significantly to the event’s accomplishments.
