By Asma’u Ahmad
The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) has said that Osun State still recorded highest prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria with over 76.3 per cent.
A Gender Analyst with UNFPA, Mrs. Damilola Obinna told newsmen in Lagos that FGM was high in the South-West in spite of the geo-political zone’s high literacy and awareness rate.
Mrs. Obinna said that the statistics was arrived at after a survey was carried out by UNFPA in collaboration with UNICEF in 2015.
“After data collation and analysis, we discovered that Osun had 76.3 per cent prevalence rate, Ekiti had 71.2, Oyo, 69.7; Ebonyi, 55.6; Imo, 48.8; and Lagos, 44.8. “There is no single benefit in the practice of female genital mutilation; yet, the practice is high even among the educated.
“Aside from the immediate risks of FGM which includes haemorrhage, infections, and death, survivors of FGM are liable to present later in their lives recurring urinary tract infections, menstrual problems, reproductive tract infections, depression, sexual dysfunction and pain, and chronic genital pain.
“They are also at risk for several adverse complications for both mother and newborn during childbirth,” Mrs. Obinna said.
She said that in Lagos, the awareness of FGM was high but statistics showed that four out of 10 girls or women had undergone female genital mutilation. Adding that Lagos Island L.G.A. recorded the highest prevalence with 51.6 per cent while Somolu L.G.A. had the lowest prevalence with 20.9 per cent.
