FG assures Garki community of sustainable empowerment programs
In its commitment to fostering development right from the grassroots across the country, the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs has assured the Garki Chiefdom Council of sustainable empowerment through the provision of necessary equipment that will enhance the lives of women and children in the community.
The Honourable Minister of Women Affairs, Barrister (Mrs) Uju Kennedy-Ohanenye gave the assurance today when she visited the Garki Chiefdom, Abuja Municipal Council along with some Top Management Staff of the Ministry
She stated that the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration was fully committed to creating an enabling environment for all categories of Nigerians to be empowered so as to ensure poverty alleviation amongst them as well as enable for peaceful and safe society for all.
The Minister informed that one of the reasons why she visited the Chiefdom was to further sensitize the community on the consequences of iron breast pressing, which is being practised on some young girls as a traditional right meant to prevent early male attraction to them
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Barrister Kennedy-Ohanenye observed that current research has shown that such traditional rights are behind time and that it behoves on the Chiefdom, religious leaders as well as the government to ensure that such practices become a thing of the past.
Besides, she added, *the tradition could lead to cancer in the affected girls as it is capable of creating nipple challenges in their future life as well the production of sour breast milk for their infants which is dangerous to the growth and development of new born babies*
She therefore urged the Council to join hands with government by taking the campaign against the practice to the people at the grassroots
Responding, the District Head of Garki Chiefdom Council, HRH (Amb) Emmanuel Gade assured that the Council will support the efforts of government towards bringing an end to the tradition
He pledged the commitment of the Council to the programmes and initiatives of the Ministry in line with the policy thrust of the present administration
Highlight of the event includes the Conferment of Sarauniyan Mata of Pigba Community on the Honourable Minister by His Royal Majesty, Chief (Amb) Emmanuel Gade
Signed
Mrs Grace Njoku
Head, Press & PR
December 29, 2023
