Abia State Empowers FGM Survivors, Pushes for Nationwide Ban

Mrs. Priscilla Otti, wife of Abia State's governor, handed cash directly to five women who survived female genital mutilation and challenged Nigeria's federal government to create stronger protections nationwide.

The empowerment happened Friday during International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation in Umuahia. Mrs. Otti didn't mince words: "Any practice that harms girls and violates their bodily autonomy is not culture. It is violence."

Female genital mutilation causes severe pain, infections, childbirth complications, and lifelong psychological trauma, with zero medical benefits. Despite this, millions of girls across Nigeria still face the practice each year.

Abia State has already made FGM a criminal offense under its fully adopted Violence Against Persons Act. But Mrs. Otti stressed that laws on paper aren't enough without public education, active reporting systems, and consistent enforcement.

The Ripple Effect

The state's Women Affairs Commissioner, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, confirmed the government's commitment to completely eradicate FGM by 2030. That ambitious timeline requires more than government action alone.

Traditional rulers, faith leaders, and community organizations across Abia are being called to lead sustained advocacy campaigns. Legal experts from the International Federation of Women Lawyers joined child protection groups in emphasizing that cultural change requires long-term investment and awareness programs.

Guest lecturer Dr. Ngozi Okechukwu pointed out that legislation creates the foundation, but communities must build the lasting change. When respected local leaders speak out against harmful practices, families listen.

The cash support given to survivors represents more than financial aid. It signals government recognition of their trauma and commitment to helping them rebuild their lives with dignity.

Nigeria joins dozens of countries working toward the United Nations goal of ending FGM worldwide by 2030, transforming an ancient harm into history through education, enforcement, and empowerment.