First Lady Leads Powerful Dialogue to End FGM in Imo State

…says ‘Our Daughters Are Perfect—No More Cutting’

BY JENNIFER JOHN / OWERRI

First Lady of Imo State, Barr Chioma Uzodimma yesterday delivered a powerful and emotionally charged address at a One-Day Reflective Dialogue with wives of traditional rulers, women groups, and key stakeholders, calling for united action to eliminate female genital mutilation (FGM) across the state.

The event, held in Owerri, brought together market women, civil society organizations, survivor advocates, ministry officials, traditional institutions, development partners, and representatives of international agencies including UNFPA, UNICEF, and WHO. Their strong attendance underscored a shared commitment to protecting girls and ending harmful traditional practices.

In her keynote address, the First Lady Barr Mrs Chioma Uzodimma praised the collaboration of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), represented by Ms. Muriel Mafico and Dr. Andrew Karima, under the United Nations Joint Programme on the Elimination of FGM. She described the gathering as “a historic moment for the transformation of our daughters’ future.”

Speaking passionately, she declared: “Female genital mutilation is violence. It is not culture. It is not tradition. It is a violation of our daughters’ rights, their health, and their dignity.”

She reminded participants of the State Action Plan unveiled earlier in the year and applauded wives of Local Government Chairmen for championing community sensitization campaigns, engaging families, and educating villages on the dangers of FGM.

Mrs Uzodimma also acknowledged survivors in attendance. Many, she noted, carry physical scars and emotional wounds from FGM. Their courage to speak out, she said, “lights the path forward for an Imo State free of fear, silence, and pain.”

Despite the legal abolition of FGM in the state, she emphasized that recent NDHS data shows pockets of the practice still persist.

“This is why the fight must continue,” she said. “Legal abolition must be supported by community action, education, and faith-based leadership.”

She highlighted a significant statistic showing that girls whose mothers have primary education are 40% less likely to undergo FGM.

“Education transforms everything. It breaks cycles that have persisted for generations”, she stated.

As part of the program, participants were briefed on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, survivor referral pathways, and community enforcement mechanisms. The dialogue also included testimony sessions, interactive discussions, and a joint declaration.

Before the event closed, stakeholders adopted a communiqué and signed a public pledge card signifying their renewed commitment to protect girls across all communities.

The First Lady ended with a heartfelt prayer:

“Every girl is born complete and beautiful. Our daughters are perfect as God created them. Together, we will build an Imo State where every girl grows up safe, whole, healthy, and free from the violence of FGM.”

The event marked a significant step in strengthening partnerships, expanding awareness, and accelerating the movement to end FGM in Imo State.

Editor

Jude Ossai (JP) a veteran journalist is a National Diploma holder in Mass Communication from Ogwashi-Uku Polytechnic Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State. He also studied at Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Enugu and Imo State University, Owerri for his first and second degrees in Mass Communication, respectively. He writes extensively on politics, crime, corruption, climate change, healthcare, human rights, social justice, among others.