BY NKECHINYERE OGINYI
The twenty-two-member, Male Coalition which was established in Ebonyi Local Government Area of Ebonyi state is aimed at solidifying a strong male voice to champion the elimination of FGM in their various communities.
The Members of the male coalition were drawn from different groups in eleven communities of Ebonyi LGA.
The Executive Secretary of CIRDDOC, Onyinye Okaah informed participants during the inauguration of the coalition that the essence of establishing the coalition is to have a male network that will lend a strong voice and advocate as champions for the eradication of FGM.
She urged participants to join CIRDDOC and UNFPA in the fight to curb the menace of FGM in the state.
"We are here to establish a male network for the elimination of female genital mutilation in Ebonyi local government, Ebonyi state. The essence of establishing the network is to have males and youth that will lend a strong voice and advocate for the eradication of female genital mutilation and about 22 males were involved.
"We charge them to go to their different communities, villages and use different platforms, structures to disseminate information on the harmful effects of female genital mutilation. Inform the people that there are no health benefits associated with FGM practice therefore it should be stopped ".
Traditional institutions, H.R.H Ezeogo Solomon Iboza Nwiboko, (Nnaji Oha II) of Ishieke Autonomous Community informed participants that while growing up, he noticed that women and girls are mutilated in the community and regretted the loss of lives as a result of lack of information on the harmful effects of FGM.
He commended UNFPA for supporting CIRDDOC to carry out interventions and ensure that the practice of FGM is a thing of the past. He promised to take adequate measures to eliminate FGM in his community and thereafter, he enjoined participants to make a conscious effort to end FGM in Ebonyi LGA.
On his part, Chief Alexandra Onyiba from the Oguzoronweya community thanked CIRDDOC and UNFPA for their relentless effort to ensure FGM is eradicated in the Ebonyi state. Chief Onyiba pledged to educate his people on the dangers associated with FGM.
Mr. David Mbam of the Mbeke community commended CIRDDOC and UNFPA for their series of interventions in the communities of Ebonyi LGA which is geared towards eradicating FGM. According to him, his community instituted a six-man task force on FGM to ensure the act is abolished.
A member of the traditional ruler's council in the Nkaleke Achara Unuhu community, Chief Samuel Ugwu stated that his community is making effort to end the practice of FGM by developing by-laws to sanction perpetrators.
Other Participants including Iziogo Nichodemus Njoku from Nkaleke Echera community Ugo Solomon PRO, Eze's cabinet, Mr. Daniel from Nkaleke, promised to take the message to their different communities.
According to them, they have engaged female genital mutilation perpetrators in sweeping of community schools and they are been paid monthly by the PTA.
