Imo communities still practicing female genital mutilation

Female genital mutilation is still being practiced in four local government areas of Imo State. The state Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA) Mr. Vitus Ekeocha, disclosed this at a dialogue with stakeholders in Umuneke, headquarters of Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of the state.  The affected LGs include Oguta, Ohaji/Egbema, Ikeduru and Ngor Okpala. 

Ekeocha, who based his statement on a UNICEF report, lamented that the practice has caused a lot of damage to womanhood. 
He said that the dialogue which is a UNICEF assisted programme is aimed at tackling the problem. 
“Studies have shown that in many communities, parents want their daughters to undergo female genital mutilation in order to avoid stigmatization or social exclusion by the rest of the community,” he said.  
Also speaking, Gender Desk Officer, Ministry of Health, Owerri, Mrs.  Ejenye Deckan,  said the practice has short and long term effect. She advised parents to discourage the  practice, which she described as obnoxious. 
 

-Dailytrust