The Ebonyi First Lady, Mrs Rachael Umahi on Saturday, said the prevalence rate of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), in the state has decreased from 74.4 in 2016 to 53.2 percent in 2021.
Umahi noted that the success recorded was due to massive awareness campaign, against the practice and voluntary supports from Non Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in the state.
She made the remarks in Abakaliki on Saturday in a press a press statement to journalists, to mark the International Day of "Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation".
The Day was declared by the United Nations to draw global attention to consequences of FGM, against women and girls.
Theme for 2021 is tagged "No time for Global Inaction; fund and act to end FGM".
FGM is a partial and total removal of the external female genitalia.
The Governors wife also attributed the reduction FGM in Ebonyi to the support of traditional and religious leaders, institutions and groups on implication of the practice to women, girls and society.
"My campaign is still on and our efforts have yielded positive results using an active law in place, known as Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law (VAPP).
"We have carried out radio, television programmes and jingles.
"We also conducted focus group discussions across 13 local government areas of the state and embarked on house-to-house advocacy campaigns.
"The year event is coming at a time the world is faced with challenges and depression occasioned by the coronavirus disease.
"In the midst of the lockdown, more women and girls are being butchered secretly," Umahi said.
The Governor's Wife commended the partnership of the UNFPA, UNICEF, USAID, Federal and state ministries of Health for their fight and encouragement to eliminate the practice in the state.
She also appreciated the state government led by David Umahi, the state House of Assembly, traditional and religious leaders among other groups on their supports.
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