Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State, says the laws prohibiting the practice of Female Genital Mutilation, FGM, are not enough to stop the practice in Nigeria.

Uzodinma, made this known at a workshop to mark the year 2025 International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, in Owerri, on Thursday.

9News Nigeria, reports that UNICEF, identified Imo as the highest prevalence of FGM in the southeast, as it called for efforts to change the narrative.

The Governor therefore, called for immediate domestication of the campaign against FGM by town union, grassroot leaders, and parents, in order to take ownership of the campaign and rise in agreement against FGM.

“FGM is psychologically dehumanising; we must condemn the practice and make a pledge that we go to work and ensure that by the time we convene here next year, zero tolerance for FGM will have become a reality in Imo.

Also speaking, the governor’s wife, Mrs Chioma Uzodinma, described the girl child education as a potent weapon that could enable the female folk to become agents of change.

The governor ‘s wife, therefore called for mentorship programmes to address immediate and long term consequences of FGM, adding that Imo had determined to face the challenge and lead by example.

She therefore thanked UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund for their willing, healthy partnerships while calling for more holistic engagements around FGM.