A cultural analyst, Professor Anthony Ugwu, has stated that the age-long practice of female Genital Mutilationb(FGM) has drastically reduced by 85 percent in Abakaliki LGA of Ebonyi State.
Professor Ugwu, a retired deputy director of the National Orientation Agency, NOA, who disclosed this exclusively on Wednesday to DAILY POST in Abakalikim
He said the reduction was made possible through various policy interventions of government.
Ugwu noted that poor network system and inadequate awareness was one of the factors affecting the eradication of FGM especially in the hinterlands, saying that before now circumcision was a traditional practice which have been on for centuries.
He commended USAID, UNICEF, local, state and federal governments for their assistance so far in eradication the cases of FGM in Abakalili local government.
“Before now circumcision was normal and acceptable. It started increasing for the past 20 to 25 years. As a social analyst, l would say that the cases is coming down,” he said.
Ugwu dismissed claims that FGM/cutting is on the increase in Abakalili local government while urging relevant authorities to engage more qualified personal in the hinterlands to achieve zero eradication of the cases.
“I blame lack of proper orientation and awareness. Female genital mutilation is a public health challenge and seems to be secretly practiced in our rural communities despite efforts by various governments to eradicate it,” Ugwu added.