The National Demographics health survey, 2013 placed Osun on the index of the State which had the highest prevalence of FGM. This is worrisome and has become a major cause of concern for the government of the State of Osun.
Putting blades and Knives at the private part of a female girl is an intrusion of her privacy, a fundamental breach of her right as a person and as a child. No violation of human right can be greater than this.
The cultural and religious beliefs reinforcing or emphasizing cutting of the girl child genital is inhuman, immoral, illogical, repugnant and against good conscience, it is therefore highly condemnable.
May I solicit your assistance by recruiting you to become a foot soldier in the fight against FGM, I beseech you to join in the campaign to end Female Genital Mutilation.
I passionately appeal to you to become an advocate for the campaign to end Female Genital Mutilation.
While research as revealed that long held Socio- Cultural and religious beliefs are mere fallacy, it has also revealed that Female Genital Mutilation is very deadly to the well-being and sexual or reproductive health of females. The harmful effect which it has on the emotional, Psychological and reproductive health of Females cannot be over emphasized. FGM represents yet another misconception, it reinstates again the violations of rights and persons which females face day- in- day- out.
I commend co- partners in this fight; the first Lady of the State of Osun Our Mother, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola who herself is an ambassador, advocate and a Champion of the cause to end FGM.
The Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, UNFPA, UNICEF, NGOs and individuals for being on the right cause, I urge us not to relent or be discouraged, nothing we do can be too little or too much for the sake of our girl children. I charge us to do even more.
I specially appreciate His Excellency the Governor of the State of Osun, Alh. Gboyega Oyetola for always protecting, agitating, defending, supporting and championing the cause of Women and Children in the State.
His is such an exemplary and human friendly leadership.
The Female Genital Mutilation Probitions Law 2014 ensures that anyone who engages in the cutting and Mutilation of the girl child serves at the minimum 2years imprisonment sentence.
The Government of the State of Osun would ensure that anyone caught in the act is brought to book. We therefore appeal to all circumcisers, women in Child bearing age bracket, Mothers In-law, Youths, Traditional rulers, religious leaders and all to come together and join us in bringing to an end this disgusting menace.
I seize this opportunity once again to inform the general public and Women in particular that they have the full backing of the State in their agitations for good life and healthy being of their girl children.
As we forge ahead, in our fight for the cause of Women and the protection of their rights and interest of our boy and girl children, I wish us all good luck, may posterity have our names in gold.
Barr. Olubukola Olaboopo
Hon. Commissioner for Women, Children and Social Affairs.
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