Owerri In response to a recent United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) report that ranked Imo State as having the highest rate of female genital mutilation (FGM) in the Southeast, Governor Hope Uzodimma has vowed to wage a full-scale campaign against the destructive practice.
FGM prevalence rates in Imo State are 9.7% among girls aged 0–14 and 38% among women aged 15–49, according to the UNICEF study from 2025. Because of this, it is the highest in the area. The frequency among women between the ages of 15 and 49 is, for instance, 20.4% in Ebonyi, 20.3% in Abia, 19% in Enugu, and 13.1% in Anambra. In Enugu, the prevalence rates are 3.7%, in Abia, 3.0%, in Anambra, and 0.29% among girls aged 0-14.
When Uzodimma spoke at UNICEF’s 2025 International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM event in Owerri, she urged grassroots efforts to end the practice.
“I encourage the fight against FGM to be domesticated immediately. He stated that in order to eradicate FGM in Imo State, the battle needs be carried to rural areas, where traditional leaders and other interested parties will be vital.
By emphasizing that outmoded cultural practices must be abandoned, the governor called on parents to assume responsibility for putting a stop to the practice.
In the twenty-first century, there is a new digital order that detests customs and civilizations that are detrimental to humanity. This type of gathering is crucial to coordinating our activities. When we reconvene next year, Imo needs to have zero tolerance for FGM. We must achieve because we are close,” he underlined.
To combat both the short-term and long-term effects of FGM, Chioma Uzodimma, the governor’s wife, advocated for mentorship programs.
In addressing the challenge, she emphasized Imo State’s resolve to set an example.
In addition to expressing appreciation for UNICEF and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) for their collaboration, Chioma Uzodimma urged more comprehensive involvement in efforts to eradicate FGM.
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