‘Abia’s Low Female Genital Mutilation Prevalence Shouldn’t Be Taken For Granted’

Wife of Abia State governor, Priscilla Otti, has warned that the state’s low prevalence of female genital mutilation (FGM) should not be taken for granted.

Otti handed down the warning during the observation of 2025 Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation in Umuahia, the state capital.

The first lady noted that the achievement should serve as motivation for intensified action rather than complacency, assuring of her support to the effort

“The government has taken a firm legal stance against the practice,” she said, explaining that the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act has been fully domesticated.

“The law is clear. I wish to state unequivocally that Female Genital Mutilation is a criminal offence under our state law,” she further explained

She said the theme for the year , “Towards 2030: No End to FGM Without Sustained Commitment,” is very clear and speaks to the need to eliminate FGM.

While pointing at the dangers of FGM, she appealed to the federal government to develop stronger mechanisms to prohibit the practice in the country.

Furthermore, she urged stakeholders, traditional rulers, and faith-based organisations to take the lead in ending FGM through sustained advocacy, commitment, and investment.

‎The commissioner for Women Affairs , Maureen Aghukwa, said FGM is not only harmful but also inflicts deep emotional trauma on victims and, in some cases, leads to death.

‎”FGM has no medical benefit and exposes victims to severe pain, trauma, infections, complications during childbirth, and lifelong psychological damage,” she added.