Lagos Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris
The Lagos State government has warned health workers and other citizens practising female genital mutilation (FGM) to desist from the act or face full wrath of the law.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, stated this, yesterday, in Lagos, at a press briefing on ending FGM, by Child Health Advocacy Initiatives (CHAI).
Idris, represented by Director, Family Health and Nutrition, Dr. Folashade Oludara, said: “FGM is a deeply rooted cultural belief that needs to be removed. It is not just enough to make the law, we also need to call people together and create awareness on how to end FGM. In Lagos, we have 44 percent practice because the city is a multi-national state, with various ethnic groups. The practice heals with irreparable scar, which prevents the woman from enjoying sex and having babies, among other harms. Everyone needs to come together to fight it.”
In her speech, Commissioner for women affairs, Hon Dr. Lola Akande, said FGM is an abuse against the girl child and women, hence the need to abolish it.
