Hacey Health Initiative Holds Media Briefing On Ending FGM in Nigeria

Tolu Laniyan, Ibadan

Hacey Health Initiative has trained journalists on the need to join the ongoing crusade to enlighten the masses about the dangers associated with Female Genital Mutilation.

This came during a dialogue session organised by the initiative, to train newsmen other concerned stakeholders on the theme "Stop Cut Project, held recently in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.

According to the monitoring and evaluation officer, Hacey Health Initiative, Mr. Emmanuel Oni, the objective of the stop cut project is to educate the general public on the need to stop the indigenous practice of cutting the girls, noting that "no fewer than 200 million women and girls have been victim of FGM globally, every year up to 3 million girls are at the risk of being mutilated globally, in Nigeria the prevalence of FGM/s is estimated at 15.1% among women is 8.2% in girls."

"FGM is a criminal offence, hence there is need for us to engage the media so they can help in spreading the message to the people in order to stop the cut because its liable to both jail term and fine. The practice of FGM poses threat to the survival, development and productivity of women and girls."

"Treatment of complications cost 1.4 Billion USD per year globally and is projected to rise to 2.3 Billion USD by the year 2047 if no action is taken." .

On her part, Oyo Police Officer in charge of FGM, OC Funke Ayenigbara, said the command is waging war against perpetrators of FGM, hence anyone found guilty will face the wrath of law.

In her remark, Oyo State FMG Coordinator Mrs. Balikis said it was high time journalits deem it fit to take FGM education to the grassroot where the practice is being assumed as the normal traditional rites.

Also in attendance is Barrister Deborah Collins, of Oyo state ministry of justice, representative of Iyalode of Ibadan land Dr. Ayo Alaga, Representative of the market women, religion leaders, medical experts, top government officials, Oyo NAWOJ among others.

 Mrs. Balikis Olawoyin Oyo state Female Genital Mutilation Coordinator, NSCDC officer in charge of rape and FGM related cases, Mr. Afe Olurotimi called on media practitioners to take End FGM messages to the nooks and crannies of both urban and the rural areas.