By Adenike Lawal
To eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), in Rivers State, the state government has partnered with UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), to launch a three-day intensive training programme aimed at ending the harmful practice.
The training, held at the Women Affairs Complex in Port Harcourt, brought together 60 grassroots facilitators, mainly women from across the state.
These participants will serve as community advocates, educating rural populations on the dangers and long-term consequences of FGM.
Speaking during the event, Professor Justina Jumbo, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation, condemned FGM as a violent act that strips girls and women of their dignity, health, and future.
She emphasized that the practice is now criminalized under state law, warning that offenders would face legal consequences.
“Our mission is clear to protect the girl child and eliminate all forms of abuse that threaten her future,” Prof. Jumbo declared.
She also expressed gratitude to the Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd.), Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, alongside UNICEF and UNFPA, for their support in making the initiative possible.
When asked about the possibility of extending the programme beyond Port Harcourt, Prof. Jumbo confirmed that advocacy efforts would be expanded to all Local Government Areas of the state.
UNICEF’s Chief Field Officer in Port Harcourt, Mr. Anselm Audu, called on parents to abandon the harmful tradition and prioritize the health and rights of their daughters.
He stressed the importance of community-level engagement in the campaign against FGM and commended the enthusiasm and commitment displayed by the participants.
During the training, facilitators were taught critical skills such as empathy, effective communication, and inclusive leadership. They were encouraged to build trust within their communities and to challenge cultural norms that perpetuate gender-based violence.
Many of the trainees expressed appreciation to the organizers and pledged to become advocates of change in their respective communities. They also emphasized the importance of enforcing existing laws and protecting future generations from harmful traditional practices.
Designed for sustainable impact, the initiative expects trainees to step down the training and educate others in their communities.
The programme also includes the distribution of educational materials to support continuous community sensitization.
This collaborative effort reflects a renewed commitment by the Rivers State Government, UNICEF, and UNFPA to ensure a future where no girl is subjected to the trauma of genital mutilation.
