The Office of the First Lady of Enugu State, Her Excellency, Chief Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, in collaboration with the Chairpersons of the five Local Government Areas of Enugu West Senatorial District, has successfully organized the 2026 Zero Tolerance Campaign Against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) at the Headquarters of Oji River Local Government Council.
The landmark event, held in observance of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2026, brought together women and girls from Aninri, Awgu, Ezeagu, Oji River and Udi Local Government Areas to raise awareness and strengthen collective action against the harmful practice.
Her Excellency, Chief Mrs. Nkechinyere Mbah, who was ably represented by her Senior Special Assistant on Special Duties, Barr. Mrs. Chidimma Egeonu, described FGM as a painful practice that has scarred generations of women and girls. She noted that while Enugu State boasts a rich and vibrant cultural heritage, deliberate efforts must be made to confront harmful practices that undermine it.
Quoting this year’s theme, “Towards 2030: No End to FGM Without Sustained Commitment and Investment,” the First Lady emphasized that without total resolve and adequate resources, the vision of an FGM-free world by 2030 would remain unattainable. She highlighted the bold steps already taken by the Enugu State Government, including enforcement of anti-FGM laws, sustained community sensitisation programmes and strategic partnerships with NGOs that have empowered survivors to speak out. However, she stressed that much more remains to be done.
In her address, the Managing Director of the Custos Care Foundation, Mrs. Egodi Igwe, declared that the First Lady is “waving a red flag against FGM,” urging women, girls and community members to report any cases of FGM to Custos Care Foundation, the International Federation of Women Lawyers (FIDA), or other frontline organizations. She reminded participants that there are enforceable anti-FGM laws in Enugu State and encouraged victims and witnesses to speak up. She provided the Foundation’s contact details:
Address: #9 Deacon Okey Ogbodo Street, Market Garden, GRA, Enugu.
Telephone: 07038044577.
Earlier, the Chairperson of Oji River Local Government Area, Mrs. Uche Anyaegbudike, speaking on behalf of the Chairpersons of the five LGAs in Enugu West Senatorial District, expressed gratitude to the Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, for his developmental strides across the state. She warmly welcomed the First Lady’s representative and entourage, describing the programme as impactful for mothers, young adults and children. She also called for continued cooperation and moral support for Governor Mbah’s administration.
The event featured insightful presentations from notable speakers, including Mrs. Ifeoma Chukwu, Head of Department, Hygiene, Enugu State Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency (ENRUWASA), who addressed efforts to end open defecation in the state; Rev. Sis. Associate Professor Dr. Ancilla Umeobieri (DDL), who spoke on the impact of FGM and the way forward; and Barr. Mrs. Ethel Ches Obiajulu, Secretary to Oji River Local Government Council, who highlighted the legal implications and consequences of engaging in FGM.
In a colourful show of solidarity, the five Local Government Areas marched in advocacy for the abandonment of FGM. Students of Sedes Sapientiae Girls Secondary School, Ezeagu, and Model Comprehensive Secondary School, Isikwe Achi, Oji River, presented drama and dance performances, creatively illustrating the negative effects of FGM.
Also present in solidarity were the ALGON Chairperson and Chairperson of Nkanu East LGA, Mrs. Rita Ede; the Chairperson of Nkanu West LGA, Mrs. Felicia Ogbodo; and the Chairperson of Nsukka LGA, Mrs. Ezinne Jude Asogwa, who joined their Enugu West counterparts in amplifying the zero-tolerance message.
The campaign reinforced Enugu State’s unwavering stance against Female Genital Mutilation, mobilizing communities to protect the rights, health and dignity of women and girls.
