From Fisayo Akinduro,

Some communities in Osun State have declared an end to the old tradition and practice of Female Genital Mutilation, FGM, in their domain saying it is obsolete and forbidden.
The communities; Eko Ajala, Obaagun, Iba, Eko Ende, Idiya, Ajagunlase, Asa and Ajagba disclosed this at a public declaration of FGM abandonment organised by Action Health Incorporated (AHI) in collaboration with UNFPA Ministry of Health and the state Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.
Osun is rated as one of the states with high prevalence of FGM in Nigeria, and the state government and community leaders, with the support of development partners, are making efforts to stop the practice.
AHI representative, Miss Abdulrasheed Nuriyah said the objective of the exercise was to ensure total eradication of FGM practice with a view to securing the future of the female children.
Speaking on behalf of Obaagun Community, Mr. Adekunle Abdul Rauf said the community which was sensitized on the negative consequences of FGM had prohibited it henceforth.
Another community leader from Eko Ende, Mr. Ajibade Yusuf, said the people of the community were now aware of the harmful effects of FGM and therefore banned it in the community.
In Iba Community, Mr. Okunoye Lanre also said it was unanimously agreed in the community to end the practice as it would leave their daughters naturally as created by God.
A community leader at Ajagba in Ola-Oluwa Local Government Area of the state, AbdulJabar Afeez, said the community has put measures in place to monitor every newborn girl and keep eye on all female children in the community to ensure that they are not circumcised.
The Focal Point Person of FGM in the state, Mrs Aduke Obelawo, reiterated that FGM is a dangerous practice and commended the communities for their commitment to end the practice.
The Gender Desk Officers, Ministries of Health, Women, Children and Social Affairs, Toyin Adelowokan, and Ms. Olufunmilola Adewale said the communities had been sensitised on the danger of FGM and that the state government was committed to ending the scourge.
Osogbo