Every February 6th brings to mind a brutal and heinous form of abuse and violence against over 230 million girls and women all over the world. This day makes us conscious of the physical, emotional and psychological pains and harm done to innocent women just to satisfy or justify a tradition of a given people. 

As the world celebrates the international day for zero tolerance of Female Genital Mutilation with the theme "Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM", let us learn about the hazards, dangers and hurts done to girls and women each time you mutilate them.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) is a traditional practice of removing partial or total external genitalia of girls and young women for non-medical reasons. It involves removing and damaging healthy and normal female genital tissue which  interferes with the natural functions of girls' and women's bodies. This is mostly done as a tradition in many places to instill self control and sexual purity in young girls. 

When a girl child is circumcised, her natural body system changes. The way God created her body to react and function, changes. Her sensitizations reduce drastically. She may or may not have urge or desire for sexual intercourse with the opposite sex including her future husband. 

Some cultures promote FGM as a certain way of ensuring a young girl keeps her virginity for her future husband and remains faithful to her husband. The proponents of this traditional practice forgot to note that when a girl child is mutilated, she doesn't desire a man including the future husband she is being reserved her for. Harmony and intimacy in marriage is under serious threat with FGM. 

Let us ascertain some other short term and long term complications of FGM.

Immediate complications of FGM can include severe pain, excessive bleeding (haemorrhage), genital tissue swelling, fever, infections e.g.tetanus, urinary problems, wound healing problems, injury to surrounding genital tissue, shock, death etc. 

Long-term complications can include, Urinary problems (painful urination, urinary tract infections);

Vaginal problems (discharge, itching, bacterial vaginosis and other infections);

Menstrual problems (painful menstruations, difficulty in passing menstrual blood, etc.);

Scar tissue and keloid;

Sexual problems (pain during intercourse, decreased satisfaction, etc.);

Increased risk of childbirth complications (difficult delivery, excessive bleeding, caesarean section, need to resuscitate the baby, etc.) and newborn deaths;

need for later surgeries: women with Type 3 might require deinfibulation (opening the infibulated scar to allow for sexual intercourse and childbirth.

psychological problems (depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, low self-esteem, etc.

FGM is an extreme form of discrimination against girls and women. It has been proven to be of no benefit to girls and women, instead it is a violation of their human rights, their rights to good health, life and proper growth.  

FGM is categorised into four types, they are:

Type 1: This is the partial or total removal of the clitoral glans (the external and visible part of the clitoris, which is a sensitive part of the female genitals), and/or the prepuce/clitoral hood (the fold of skin surrounding the clitoral glans).

Type 2: This is the partial or total removal of the clitoral glans and the labia minora (the inner folds of the vulva), with or without removal of the labia majora (the outer folds of skin of the vulva).

Type 3: Also known as infibulation, this is the narrowing of the vaginal opening through the creation of a covering seal. The seal is formed by cutting and repositioning the labia minora, or labia majora, sometimes through stitching, with or without removal of the clitoral prepuce/clitoral hood and glans.

Type 4: This includes all other harmful procedures to the female genitalia for non-medical purposes, e.g., pricking, piercing, incising, scraping and cauterizing the genital area.

It is worthy to note however, that the four types of FGM mentioned above poses health risks but the risk is greater with more severe forms of FGM. None of them should be practised no matter how simple it appears. 

It is appalling that even health workers are performing FGM due to the belief that the procedure is safer when medicalized, and also that medicalization of FGM could be a first step towards full abandonment of the practice. Health Care Providers should be advocates for FGM abandonment within the hospital environment, their families and communities. It has been proven that FGM has no health benefits, instead it harms girls and women in many ways. This year's awareness creation is to ingrave the dangers of FGM in the hearts of mothers, fathers and every member of the society. Let's say NO to FGM. 

World Health Organisation (WHO) should be appluaded for its strong fight against FGM. It strongly urges health workers not to perform FGM and has developed a global strategy and specific materials to support the health sector and health workers themselves to end FGM medicalization. With WHO’s support and training, many health care providers are becoming advocates for FGM abandonment within the clinical setting, their families and communities.

 We must step up the pace, strengthen alliances and movements to end Female Genital Mutilation.

 describes Lawmaker as a beacon of sincerity

Chima Mathew Amadi a renowned scholar Cum Transparency advocate , paid a solidarity visit to the Representative of Ideato Federal Constituency, Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere on 31th December, 2024 in his home town, Akokwa in Ideato South LGA of Imo State. 

The occasion, which took place on a crisp December day, was marked by a massive turnout of over 10,000 people, who gathered to listen to Dr. Amadi's words of encouragement and praise for Ikenga.

Dr. Amadi's visit was a testament to his unwavering support for Ikenga, whom he described as a "strong pillar of support" and a beacon of sincerity in a political landscape dominated by desperation. He thanked the people of Ideato for standing by Ikenga in his time of need, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to his cause.

"Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere is a man of unimpeachable character, who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the well-being of our people," Dr. Amadi said. "His sincerity and integrity are qualities that we should all emulate, and I am proud to stand with him in solidarity."

The highlight of the visit was Dr. Amadi's generous donation of ₦50 million to support the development of the Ideato nation. This gesture was met with widespread applause and appreciation from the crowd, who saw it as a testament to Dr. Amadi's dedication to the well-being of the community.

Dr. Amadi's solidarity visit to Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere sends a powerful message about the importance of unity and support in the face of adversity. As a respected figure in Imo State, Dr. Amadi's endorsement of Ikenga is a significant boost to his reputation and a clear indication of his commitment to the values of sincerity and integrity.

The visit has been hailed as a major milestone in the political landscape of Imo State, and its impact is expected to be felt for a long time to come. As the people of Ideato and beyond celebrate this historic moment, they are reminded of the power of unity and solidarity in achieving greatness.

As 1,000 Widows, Others Benefit From Cash Donations, Scholarships, Sports Tournaments 

Encomiums have continued to trail the kick off #200M intervention project of Dr. Chima Amadi on the 1st of December, 2024 in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State.

 Launched under the Jude and Juliana Foundation, the initiative is redefining philanthropy in Owerri zone with an array of groundbreaking events and interventions designed to uplift lives and foster unity.

The highly anticipated football tournament, which began on December 1st at the iconic Comprehensive Secondary School, Umuekwune, has already set the region abuzz. This year’s competition features 25 local teams from Ngor Okpala battling for glory and substantial prizes of ₦3 million for the champions, ₦2 million for the runners-up, and ₦1 million for third place. Individual awards of ₦100,000 for the Best Player and Highest Goal Scorer, ₦50,000 for the Best Goalkeeper, and#100,000 support received by every team to aid preparations all added an extra layer of excitement to the event. 

This year’s project also introduced a dedicated women’s sports event, marking a bold step toward gender inclusivity. Women from across the Owerri zone are showcasing their athleticism and teamwork, competing for prizes that mirror the men’s tournament. This new addition reflects Dr. Amadi’s unwavering commitment to empowering women and inspiring future female athletes.

The month-long festivities will reach their pinnacle on December 31st with a series of unforgettable events. The day is expected to begin with the much-anticipated 10km Marathon, bringing together athletes and fitness enthusiasts from across the region in a test of endurance and determination.

The excitement will seamlessly transition into an End-of-Year Party, a vibrant celebration of community, featuring live entertainment, cultural displays, and a festive atmosphere that unites people from all walks of life.

Crowning the day’s events is Dr. Amadi’s extraordinary act of generosity: ₦50,000 cash donations to 1,000 widows, providing them with renewed hope and dignity as they step into the new year. This generosity is further amplified by scholarships for hundreds of deserving students, comprehensive health insurance for vulnerable families, and grants for small business owners—initiatives designed to empower individuals and build stronger communities.

Earlier this year, Dr. Amadi garnered widespread acclaim for his contributions to the August Meeting, an annual gathering of women in southeastern Nigeria that promotes development and unity. His continued commitment to grassroots development, as seen in this year’s philanthropy, underscores his deep investment in the welfare of the Ngor Okpala community.

While the football tournament and women’s sports events have taken the spotlight, the ripple effects of Dr. Amadi’s interventions are being felt across all sectors. Local businesses are thriving from the influx of visitors, young talents are gaining exposure, and families are benefitting from health and education programs. By integrating entertainment with empowerment, Dr. Amadi is crafting a model of philanthropy that transforms lives on every level.

From its kickoff on December 1st to the grand finale on December 31st, the Owerri zone has become a hub of activity, joy, and transformation. Dr. Amadi’s ₦200 million Yuletide Philanthropy is not just a seasonal celebration but a movement that inspires hope, opportunity, and unity across Imo State.

 By Anselm Igwe

Oguta Local Government, with its headquarters in Oguta town, was once a beacon of progress and development in Imo State. Unfortunately, the local government has succumbed to the ravages of time, neglect, and poor governance.

As the great Nigerian leader, Obafemi Awolowo, once said, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." For Oguta Local Government, the future seems uncertain, but there is hope.

In the 1980s, Oguta Local Government was a thriving hub of economic activity, with its fishery and farming industries flourishing. The local government was known for its vibrant markets, bustling towns, and peaceful communities. The iconic Oguta Lake, a popular tourist destination, attracted visitors from around the world. Even today, those who visited Oguta Lake in the 80's still hold it in high esteem, unaware of the stark reality that the present Oguta is a shadow of its former self, like an unconscious frog under the influence of trichloromethane.

Poverty, insecurity, and lack of opportunities have become the norm. The fishery and farming industries, which were once the lifeblood of the local economy, have been left to decay. The absence of government incentives and support has pinched on the nerves of growth, leaving the people to struggle in hopelessness.

Furthermore, the activities of oil companies such as Seplat, Sterling Global, and others have devastated the environment, leaving the host communities helpless. The once-pristine waters and fertile lands are now polluted, causing untold suffering to the people. The so-called leaders have turned a blind eye to this destruction, choosing instead to line their pockets with selfish benefits from these companies.

As President Muhammadu Buhari once said, "We must work together to build a Nigeria where every citizen can live in peace and prosperity." For Oguta Local Government, that work begins with leadership that truly cares.

Obodo Johnbosco Chimaokwu; the most prepared candidate ready to kick the ball rolling, a man of unimpeachable character and vision, has stepped forward to lead Oguta Local Government out of the darkness. As a virgin politician and seasoned local government administrator, untainted by the corruption and greed that has ravaged the local government, Obodo brings a fresh perspective and a commitment to true service.

A devout Christian, Obodo's leadership is guided by the principles of integrity, compassion, and justice. He is a man who 'fears God' by 'honouring humanity' with a touch of conscience, passion and intelligence with a proven track record of selflessness and dedication to the common good.

As the late Nigerian statesman, M.K.O. Abiola, once said, "The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." Oguta Local Government has indeed fallen, but with Obodo, we can rise again.

Let us not trade our future for fleeting gains. Let us choose a leader who will restore Oguta's glory, who will revitalize our economy, and who will bring peace and prosperity to our people. A leader who will stand up to the oil companies and demand justice for our communities.

Obodo Johnbosco Chimaokwu is that leader. Let us rally behind him and reclaim our local government's dignity. The time for change is now. Vote wisely, Oguta APC delegates! Vote wisely Oguta local Government Area! Join the moving train now!