Four(4) local government areas in Imo State have promised to stop female genital mutilation completely before the year 2030.

The pledge was made during a series of interactive meetings in Oru East, Oru West, Nwangele, and Nkwerre. The events were organised by Virgin Heart Foundation with support from UNICEF and UNFPA.

Traditional rulers, women and youth leaders, presidents-general, religious leaders, and gender advocates all came together to discuss the way forward.

Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of Virgin Heart Foundation, Peace Dike, praised the commitment of the communities. She said the joint effort would play a major role in achieving a female genital mutilation-free Imo State by 2030.

The Eze of Ofekata III, Eze Stanley, also condemned the health and social effects of the practice, pledging to work with his people to end it. Experts from Ebonyi State explained the dangers of FGM, linking it to childbirth complications, fistula, and other health problems.

Officials from the National Orientation Agency and the Imo State Ministry of Women Affairs assured their support, saying the government is ready to back the campaign until the harmful practice is gone.