Headlines
UNICEF expresses concern over high rate of female genital mutilation in Nigeria
By Derrick Bangura
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concern that female genital mutilation (FGM) is on the rise in Nigeria, which is now ranked third in the world.
While warning that female genital mutilation is on the rise among Nigerian girls aged 0-14, UNICEF issued a press release on International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation 2022, revealing that rates have risen from 16.9% in 2013 to 19.2% in 2018, a “worrying trend,” according to UNICEF.
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is still prevalent in Nigeria, according to UNICEF, with an estimated 19.9 million survivors and Nigeria accounting for the third highest number of women and girls who have had FGM worldwide.
“While the nationwide prevalence of FGM among Nigerian women aged 15-49 declined from 25% in 2013 to 20% in 2018, prevalence among girls aged 0-14 increased from 16.9% to 19.2% in the same period, according to NDHS estimates,” the UN agency said.
“An estimated 86 percent of girls had their hair cut before the age of 5, while 8% had their hair chopped between the ages of 5 and 14.”As the world observes today’s International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, UNICEF estimates that 68 million girls worldwide would be at danger of female genital mutilation between 2015 and 2030.” COVID-19 is closing schools and disrupting programs that help protect girls from this destructive practice, which could result in an additional 2 million cases of FGM over the next decade.”Millions of girls are being robbed of their childhoods, health, education, and aspirations every day by harmful practices such as FGM,” said UNICEF Representative in Nigeria Peter Hawkins in the release, adding that “the practice of FGM not only has no health benefits – it is deeply harmful to girls and women, both physically and psychologically.” It is a practice that no longer has a place in our society and must be abolished, as many Nigerian communities have already pledged.”
It was acknowledged that there are differences in practice across Nigeria. The incidence varies by state, ranging from 62% in Imo to less than 1% in Adamawa and Gombe. The South East has the highest prevalence of FGM. “The Movement for Good” will reach 5 million adolescent girls and boys, women – including pregnant and lactating mothers – men, grandparents, traditional, community and religious leaders, legislators, justice sector actors, and state officials through an online pledge to “say no” to FGM, according to the statement. The movement will mobilize affected communities for household-level action to protect girls who are at risk of FGM. It will address misconceptions about female genital mutilation (FGM) and the discriminatory reasons for its prevalence, as well as shatter the silence around the practice in collaboration with communities.
Internationally, female genital mutilation (FGM) is considered a violation of girls’ and women’s human rights. It is an extreme kind of discrimination against girls and women, and it represents deep-seated gender inequality. It is almost always done on minors, and it is a violation of their rights. In cases where the surgery results in death, it also violates a person’s right to health, security, and physical integrity; the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; and the right to life. Internationally, female genital mutilation (FGM) is considered a violation of girls’ and women’s human rights. It is an extreme kind of discrimination against girls and women, and it represents deep-seated gender inequality. It is almost always done on minors, and it is a violation of their rights. In cases where the surgery results in death, it also violates a person’s right to health, security, and physical integrity; the right to be free from torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment; and the right to life.
“The International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation reminds us that we are not alone in this fight, and that we must step up our efforts – particularly with families and communities – to make Nigeria a safe place for girls and women. “Our goal is to make Nigeria a safe place for girls and women, free of FGM,” Peter Hawkins stated.
Mr Joshua Ibitomi, the Area Commander of Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC),
Ibeju-Lekki, Epe Division, Lagos State, has warned truck drivers against speeding and reckless driving.
He gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Ibeju-Lekki on Tuesday.
The FRSC official, who blamed speeding on the ghastly vehicle accident that occurred at Aiyetoro market in Epe
which claimed several lives and left some injured, said that with careful driving, such accident could be avoided.
He added that “the accident was as a result of speeding, reckless driving and loading of truck beyond its capacity.
“All these are factors responsible for accident when drivers are not conscious of the driving rules.
“Vehicle can develop technical fault at any time, therefore, speed limit and caution need to be applied while driving.”
He said FRSC had been sensitising drivers on the need to install speed limit device and be road conscious while driving, in line with the mandate to instill decent use of road.
Ibitomi also advised passers-by and the public to be safety conscious while walking on roadsides to avoid falling victim of accidents.
He attributed major road crashes on roads to speed limit violation, urging drivers to respect the sanctity of human life by obeying traffic rules.
He added that the FRSC had evolved measures to ensure accident-free yuletide and new year festivities in 2024
Jubilant supporters celebrated Donald Trump’s apparent victory in Florida early Wednesday as he claimed a return to the White House, despite most major news networks holding off on officially calling the race.
At an event in Palm Beach, Trump supporters reveled in the win projected by Fox News, cheering as the former president declared a “political victory that our country has never seen before.”
“I feel extraordinary,” said 68-year-old supporter Ted Sarvanis, dancing with arms in the air. “This is the greatest American political story in the history of the country.”
Joined by running mate J.D. Vance, Trump took the stage, celebrating his projected win. The atmosphere at the convention center was electric, with supporters sporting “Make America Great Again” caps and mingling in formal attire and Trump-themed clothing.
“I feel relieved. I was a little bit scared because you never know how things are going to turn out,” said Stacy Kurtz, 45.
In contrast, a far different scene unfolded for Vice President Kamala Harris’s supporters at Howard University in Washington, where they were hoping for a Democratic win.
As the night wore on and Trump gained electoral votes in key battleground states, disappointment swept through the crowd.
“I am scared, I am anxious now,” said Charlyn Anderson earlier in the evening.
Democratic watch parties in places like Atlanta and Pennsylvania grew somber as results rolled in, with Lynn Johnson, 65, expressing concern, “It’s going to be dangerous if he wins. I don’t feel safe.”
While Trump’s supporters celebrated a comeback, the mood among Democrats was marked by worry and disbelief.
“He’s a terrible candidate, so it just doesn’t make sense,” said Harris supporter Ken Brown.
The contrasting scenes highlighted the nation’s deep political divide on election night.
President Bola Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to President Donald Trump on his re-election as the 47th President of the United States, expressing optimism for stronger ties between Nigeria and the U.S. in an era of global challenges.
The congratulatory message, issued by Tinubu’s Special Adviser on Information & Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, emphasises the Nigerian leader’s hopes for a renewed partnership between the two nations.
Following his victory on Wednesday, Trump pledged to “heal” the country, marking a stunning political comeback as he edged past Kamala Harris in a closely contested election.
Tinubu, in his message, affirmed, “Together, we can foster economic cooperation, promote peace, and address global challenges that affect our citizens.”
Tinubu highlighted that Trump’s return to the White House reflects the trust and confidence of the American people in his leadership, praising their commitment to democracy.
Given Trump’s experience from 2017 to 2021 as the 45th President, Tinubu foresees a new era of “earnest, beneficial, and reciprocal economic and development partnerships between Africa and the United States.”
The Nigerian President also expressed confidence that Trump’s leadership will contribute to peace and prosperity worldwide, acknowledging America’s significant influence on global affairs.
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