The Centre for Health, Ethics, Law and Development (CHELD) has expressed concern and explicit condemnation of a recent public statements by a prominent figure endorsing female genital mutilation (FGM) as beneficial.
It said at a time when Nigeria had made considerable progress in challenging harmful traditional practices, including criminalising FGM, such narratives were not only misleading but dangerous.
Recall that a veteran Nollywood actress, Victoria Inyama, had disclosed that being circumcised was one of the best things that happened to her.
During an Instagram live session with media personality, Daddy Freeze, she said that circumcision helped her to maintain a healthy life and prevented her from being promiscuous in nature.
In reaction, the executive director, CHELD, Prof. Cheluchi Onyemelukwe, said such narratives risk reversing years of advocacy, policy efforts, and community engagement aimed at protecting the rights, dignity, and health of women and girls.
She said the centre is particularly concerned about the influence of public figures whose platforms reach millions.
“Statements that validate FGM can reinforce harmful beliefs among individuals who are on the verge of abandoning the practice of FGM, while also confusing those who are in the process of unlearning deeply rooted cultural norms. This creates a setback in public health education and protection efforts.
“CHELD acknowledges that cultural beliefs evolve, and that meaningful change often requires sustained dialogue.
” However, it is important to affirm that harmful practices cannot be justified on the basis of personal experience or cultural tradition when they violate fundamental human rights and endanger lives.”
Meanwhile, the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act 2015 (VAPP Act) explicitly prohibits all forms of FGM and prescribes penalties for individuals who perform, aid, or abet the practice.
Prof Onyemelukwe added that FGM is a recognised form of gender-based violence.
“It has no medical benefit and is associated with severe short- and long-term health complications, including chronic pain, infections, childbirth complications, psychological trauma, and, in some cases, death. Any claim suggesting otherwise is inconsistent with overwhelming medical and scientific evidence.
“All states have adopted the VAPP Act, or have laws criminalizing Gender-based violence including FGM , reinforcing its illegality across jurisdictions. Promoting or normalizing FGM in any form undermines the rule of law and weakens collective efforts to eliminate violence against Nigerian women and girls.”
Meanwhile, the executive director has called on public figures and influencers to be mindful of what they say, especially on issues that affect people’s health and rights.
She said that their voices carry weight, so they should use them responsibly, not in ways that encourage or justify actions that are against the law.
She also urged government agencies and law enforcement bodies to strengthen enforcement of the VAPP Act and related laws and for media organisations to amplify accurate, evidence-based information on FGM and its consequences.
While calling on community and religious leaders to continue engaging in advocacy that promotes the abandonment of harmful practices, Prof Onyemelukwe urged the general public to reject narratives that normalize FGM or trivialize the harmful nature of FGM and to support efforts aimed at its total eradication.
She noted that Nigeria has made substantial progress, to allow regression of any kind, adding, “The progress made in raising awareness and shifting attitudes must be protected and advanced, not undermined.”
