Imo LGAs Unite to Publicly Abandon Female Genital Mutilation

 Virgin Heart Foundation and UNFPA-UNICEF Lead Community Dialogue in Four LGAs, Championing a "FGM Free" Imo by 2030

In a powerful and collaborative stride towards eradicating harmful traditional practices, the Virgin Heart Foundation (VHF), in partnership with UNFPA-UNICEF, successfully held a 1-day interactive dialogue on the Public Declaration of Female Genital Mutilation Abandonment. The series of events, which took place from 2nd September to 6th September, 2025, brought together key community leaders and stakeholders across Oru East, Oru West, Nwangele, and Nkwerre Local Government Areas.

The landmark meetings were hosted at the respective LGA Council Halls and Traditional Rulers' palaces, gathering a wide array of influential figures. Among the attendees were revered traditional rulers, including HRH Eze Anorue of Nkwerre, as well as President Generals, Women and Youth Leaders, religious figures, community facilitators, and a new generation of Adolescent Gender Champions and Male Alliances. The presence of high-ranking officials from the Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs and the National Orientation Agency, along with resource persons from Ebonyi State, underscored the significance of the initiative.

In her opening address, Madam Peace Dike, the Executive Director of VHF, extended heartfelt gratitude to the communities for their strong partnership. She commended their tireless efforts in fighting Female Genital Mutilation, FGM and urged them to remain resilient in their mission. “This collective effort will be instrumental in achieving our shared goal of a completely 'FGM Free' Imo State by 2030,” she stated, rallying the participants to action.

The dialogue featured goodwill messages from HRM Eze Stanley Onyedebelu, a traditional ruler from Ofekata 3 community in Oru East. He expressed deep concern over the perpetuation of harmful traditional practices that affects the girl-child and women, he  pledged his unwavering support for the course. He lauded VHF’s persistent commicrucial sentiment: "The change will start from the grassroots and it is a joint community effort."

Educational sessions were a key component of the dialogue. Mr. Uchenna Unah,  a resource person from Ebonyi State, provided a stark reminder of the devastating health consequences of FGM, including keloid formation, Vesicovaginal Fistula (VVF), and complications during childbirth. His colleague, Ms. Lucy Ogodo shed light on the various forms of Gender-Based Violence (GBV) impacting both women and men, broadening the scope of the discussion.

The event's highlight was a poignant testimony from Chief Obinogwam Solomon of Ubahaeze Orodo, Mbaitoli LGA, a community that has already achieved a Public Declaration of FGM Abandonment (PDA). "Achieving PDA is not a one-person's job," he stressed, “it involves the collaborative efforts of everyone in the community, requiring the input of the traditional ruler, President Generals, and every stakeholder.” Mrs. Onyenakazi, a member of the same community, provided a step-by-step guide on how other communities can replicate their success.

Stakeholders from the four participating LGAs reaffirmed their roles and commitment for the elimination of FGM. The meeting concluded with a drafting of community action plans, and a shared sense of renewed purpose.

In his remark, Mr. Francis Ihem of the National Orientation Agency, Imo State assured participants that the Imo State Government stands in solid support of their efforts, signalling a unified front against FGM.