In a bold reaffirmation of Enugu State’s commitment to the protection of women and girls, the Wife of the Governor of Enugu State, Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah, has flagged off a comprehensive sensitisation campaign on Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) for the Enugu East Senatorial Zone.
The sensitisation programme, held on Thursday, February 6, 2026, at the Nkanu East Local Government Secretariat, Amagwunze, was attended by a broad spectrum of stakeholders; women representatives, traditional leaders, religious leaders, students and dozens of girls, marked a significant step in the ongoing effort to eradicate harmful traditional practices at the grassroots. The event brought together the wives of chairmen from the six local government areas that constitute the Enugu East Senatorial District, Nkanu East, Nkanu West, Enugu North, Enugu South, Enugu East and Isi-Uzo Local Government Areas.
The programme was hosted by the Wife of the Chairman of Nkanu East Local Government Council, Hon. Mrs. Rita Edeh, who, in her heart-warming opening address, warmly welcomed participants and expressed deep appreciation to the Enugu State First Lady for choosing Nkanu East as the host community for such a critical advocacy. She described the gathering as more than a ceremonial event, noting that it represented a collective stand by women across the senatorial zone to protect the future of their daughters and generations yet unborn.
Hon. Mrs. Edeh emphasized that Female Genital Mutilation has no place in a modern society that values human dignity, health and progress. She called on women to rise as first responders and advocates within their homes and communities, stressing that sustained enlightenment, dialogue and moral courage are essential in confronting practices that undermine the well-being of women and girls.
Representing the Enugu State First Lady at the event, the Senior Special Assistant to the First Lady on Special Duties, Barr. Chidinma Egeonu, delivered a powerful keynote address that set the tone for the programme. In her speech, Barr. Egeonu conveyed the goodwill and firm resolve of Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah, reiterating that the fight against Female Genital Mutilation remains a top priority in the First Lady’s social intervention agenda.
She highlighted the First Lady’s relentless advocacy for the protection of women and children, noting that through Her Excellency’s Custos Care Foundation, several initiatives have been rolled out to promote the safety, welfare and empowerment of women and girls across Enugu State. According to her, the zero tolerance campaign is anchored on the belief that every woman and girl deserves to live free from harm, fear and discrimination, and that cultural practices must evolve in line with fundamental human values.
Barr. Egeonu further urged community leaders, families and women groups to take ownership of the campaign, stressing that government action must be complemented by community-driven vigilance and advocacy to achieve lasting change.
Other speakers at the event, including Mrs. Nneji Margaret Ifenyinwa and Mrs. Osinachi, reinforced the message of zero tolerance, calling for continuous sensitisation at the grassroots level. They emphasized the importance of educating mothers, caregivers and young people, noting that awareness remains a critical tool in dismantling harmful norms and misconceptions associated with Female Genital Mutilation.
The sensitisation programme was further enlivened by drama performances that conveyed strong anti-FGM messages, cultural dance displays, and a colourful match pass by women and girls from the six local government areas in the Enugu East Senatorial Zone. The performances served both as entertainment and as powerful storytelling tools, reinforcing the central message of dignity, protection and collective responsibility.
The event concluded on a note of generosity and solidarity, as all participants received bags of rice and other food items, distributed on behalf of the Enugu State First Lady, Her Excellency, Mrs. Nkechinyere Iheoma Mbah. The gesture was widely appreciated by attendees and further underscored the First Lady’s compassionate, people-centred approach to advocacy and social welfare.
Overall, the sensitisation programme stood as a strong declaration of unity and resolve by women across the Enugu East Senatorial Zone, reinforcing Enugu State’s stance on zero tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation and its commitment to safeguarding the rights and future of women and girls.
_FOUNTAINCARE MEDIA_
