By Niyi Alade
Ekiti state government is to work with relevant stakeholders to increase the knowledge of community members towards ending Female Genital Mutilation FGM in the state.
The Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani made this known in Ado-Ekiti at the presentation of a report of the research on Female Genital Mutilation carried out by A Non Governmental Organization “Hacey Health Initiative” under the “STOPCUT PROJECT” in collaboration with Ekiti state government.
Dr. Filani noted that the report revealed that the practice is prevalent in the state, saying this would help the state government to develop strategies at reducing FGM in Ekiti.
The Commissioner appealed to the people of the state to cooperate with government to stamp out the practice, adding that anyone caught in the act would face the weight of the law.
While speaking, the Director of the NGO, Mrs Rhoda Robinson said FGM is on the increase due to low level of policy implementation on stoppage of the practice, hence stakeholders should join hands in this regard.
According to Mrs. Robinson, the research was carried out in Ado, Ikere, Ekiti West, Ekiti Southwest, Ido/Osi and Irepodun/Ifelodun local governments where FGM is most practiced in the state.
