The wife of the Governor of Abia State, 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.
Speaking at the Obingwa Local Government Secretariat, Ngboko, during the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, Mrs. Otti—who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Maureen Aghukwa—described FGM as a barbaric act that has led to 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 emphasized 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 reiterated her unwavering commitment to supporting organizations and individuals dedicated to restoring the fundamental human rights of girls and women in Abia State.
Commending the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, Mrs. Otti applauded his commitment to ending harmful cultural practices that endanger the lives of women and girls. She highlighted his administration’s proactive steps toward ensuring that FGM becomes a thing of the past in Abia State.
In her address, the Director-General of the Abia State Orientation Agency, Madam Ure Abazie, lauded Mrs. Otti for her relentless fight against gender-based violence and her efforts to establish Abia as a state with zero tolerance for FGM.
Also speaking, the Director of Public Health at the Ministry of Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Princess Agomoh, condemned the various forms of FGM, emphasizing its detrimental effects on women’s health, including pelvic inflammatory diseases and other long-term complications. She urged women to take a stand against the practice and called on traditional rulers to lead the campaign in their communities.
The Mayor of Obingwa Local Government Area, Mr. Maxwell Nwadike, commended Governor Alex Otti and his wife for their remarkable initiatives against FGM. He pledged his administration’s full support in spreading awareness and ensuring the message reaches every corner of the state.
In their contributions, Mrs. Chidinma Alozie and Mrs. Onwubiko encouraged parents to be emotionally attuned to their daughters, nurture them with love, and instill in them the fear of God. They also reminded the audience that the Abia State Government has enacted laws with strict penalties against those who engage in FGM.
Representing the Obingwa Traditional Rulers Council, Eze Chinyere Emmanuel expressed gratitude to Mrs. Otti for her compassionate leadership in advancing women’s rights. He prayed for divine blessings upon her as she continues to champion the cause of women in the state.
The event featured interactive sessions, including a question-and-answer segment, and was well attended by government officials, traditional rulers, and other key stakeholders.
