Business Culture Economy

Public Fury Grows After Young Mother’s Death in Delta State, Highlighting the Dangers of Female Genital Mutilation

The Pamela Iweze Kingdom Children Foundation (PIKCF), a leading advocate for children’s rights and female reproductive health, has expressed deep sorrow and outrage over the tragic death of Emeterhire, a young woman from Ogwashi-Uku, in Aniocha Local Government Area of Delta State, allegedly forced to undergo Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) following childbirth complications.

Emeterhire, who had previously escaped her community to avoid the harmful practice, returned to her village under familial pressure only to be subjected to FGM against her will. She tragically succumbed to the combined trauma of childbirth and the mutilation, leaving behind a newborn child.

A Heartbreaking Ordeal: The Tragic Loss of Emeterhire, who had built a peaceful life in Asaba, was coerced back to her village in Aniocha South Local Government Area by her mother, who feared cultural repercussions and believed her grandchild would be cursed without traditional blessings. Upon her return, Emeterhire, weakened after giving birth, was forced to undergo the painful FGM ritual. The procedure, conducted by village elders without her consent, led to her death by dawn, igniting public outrage across the nation.About – Pamela Iweze

An Urgent Call to End FGM Pamela Iweze, founder of the Pamela Iweze Kingdom Children Foundation and a staunch advocate for child rights, has condemned this barbaric act, noting that Emeterhire’s death is a devastating reminder of the dangers of Female Genital Mutilation. “It is inconceivable that in this day and age, young women are still subjected to this deadly practice under the guise of culture. The community of Ogwashi-Uku must not allow the lives of women to be dictated by archaic and harmful traditions,” Iweze remarked.

The foundation is mobilizing efforts to work with local authorities, advocacy groups, and national health services to end FGM in Delta State, starting with immediate outreach programs, support for survivors and at-risk women and girls and educational campaigns aimed at educating women, girls, and community elders on the dangers of FGM.

Key Facts and Details:

  • Victim: Emeterhire, a young woman from Ogwashi-Uku, Delta State, died following complications from childbirth and a forced FGM procedure.
  • Cultural Context: FGM is upheld as a “sacred rite of passage” in certain communities, believed to purify women and prepare them for marriage.
  • Family Tragedy: Emeterhire’s mother, Erhuvwun, who herself underwent FGM as a young woman, has vowed to fight against the practice to protect her granddaughter and other girls in the community.
  • Public Outcry: Human rights activists have condemned the continued practice of FGM and are calling for justice and protection for women and girls in Ogwashi-Uku.

About Pamela Iweze Kingdom Children Foundation: The Pamela Iweze Kingdom Children Foundation (PIKCF) is a non-profit organization based in Lagos, Nigeria, committed to child advocacy, early childhood education, female reproductive health, and the promotion of family welfare. Founded in 2018, the foundation provides vital interventions aimed at helping children grow into responsible and empowered citizens. PIKCF is dedicated to eliminating harmful cultural practices such as Female Genital Mutilation through awareness, education, and community engagement.

 

 

The Tragic Loss of Emeterhire, who had built a peaceful life in Asaba, was coerced back to her village in Aniocha South Local Government Area by her mother, who feared cultural repercussions and believed her grandchild would be cursed without traditional blessings. Upon her return, Emeterhire, weakened after giving birth, was forced to undergo the painful FGM ritual. The procedure, conducted by village elders without her consent, led to her death by dawn, igniting public outrage across the nation.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published.

You may also like

Art Business Culture News Opinion

OBI CUBANA AND THE DANGERS OF MISPLACED JUDGMENT

post-image

By Okeh Onyekachi

In a world where success is often met with skepticism, it is alarming how easily people wish misfortune upon others, especially those who have worked their way to prominence. Obinna Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, is a prime example of this phenomenon. Some of you are disappointed that he has not been arrested, eagerly waiting for a downfall that may never come. You may have to live with that disappointment for a long time—perhaps even for the rest of your lives.

It is astonishing how quickly people latch onto rumors and baseless allegations, weaving elaborate tales without a shred of credible evidence. Some have confidently claimed that Obi Cubana is involved in illegal activities, suggesting that Abba Kyari was merely a front for him. But let’s take a moment to reflect: What is the real motivation behind such claims? Are they based on facts, or are they…

Read More
Business Economy

Federal Government Kickstarts Construction of Emerging Technologies Institute in Kano

post-image

 

 

Today Friday, 14th February 2025 marks a significant milestone in the Federal Government of Nigeria’s efforts to secure the socio-economic wellbeing of the future generation, as the ground was opened for commencement of construction of the Sustainable & Emerging Technologies Institute (SETI) under the aegis of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), The Presidency.

 

The Executive Vice Chaiman/Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NASENI, Mr. Khalil Suleiman Halilu during the Ground-breaking ceremony held at the Bayero University Kano (BUK) New Campus said the new institute sits on 30 hectares of the BUK land to be built, featuring state-of-the-art facilities, including innovation hubs devoted to Artificial Intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies, complemented by reliable power supply. “NASENI will fully build and equip and support the new Institute” said the EVC/CEO.

 

The future of socio-economic development for nations rests on human creativity, innovation and cooperation, Artificial intelligence,…

Read More
Business Culture Economy Education Society Technology Technology Trends Telecoms

Airtel Nigeria and UNICEF Drive Digital Education Revolution at St. Agnes Primary School

post-image

 In a significant push toward enhancing digital learning in Nigeria, Airtel Nigeria and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) reaffirmed their commitment to education through a high-profile visit to St. Agnes Nursery and Primary School, Mende, Lagos. Leading the delegation was Airtel Group CEO, Sunil Taldar, accompanied by Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, as they assessed the impact of the Reimagine Education program—a partnership aimed at improving access to quality education for children nationwide.

The visit provided an opportunity for Airtel’s leadership to observe firsthand how the initiative is transforming learning experiences through digital tools, internet connectivity, and modern educational platforms. The Reimagine Education program, launched in collaboration with UNICEF, seeks to empower students and teachers by integrating technology into classrooms, ensuring that children, particularly in underserved areas,…

Read More
Business Government Society Technology Trends Telecoms

Airtel Nigeria CEO Engages Finance Minister, CBN Governor on Digital Transformation and Financial Inclusion

post-image

 In a strategic engagement aimed at advancing Nigeria’s digital economy, Airtel Nigeria’s Group CEO, Sunil Taldar, held high-level discussions with the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Dr. Olayemi Cardoso, on February 12, 2025, in Abuja.

The meeting focused on Airtel Africa’s ongoing efforts to drive digital transformation, expand financial inclusion, and contribute to Nigeria’s economic growth. Mr. Taldar reaffirmed Airtel’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s telecommunications infrastructure, enhancing access to digital financial services, and fostering an inclusive economy through innovative solutions.

“Airtel Africa remains dedicated to Nigeria’s economic development by leveraging technology to empower businesses…

Read More
Business Culture Economy Opinion

Tony Elumelu Advocates for Increased Investment in Africa at World Governments Summit

post-image

Tony O. Elumelu, C.F.R, Chairman of Heirs Holdings, has issued a strong call to global investors, urging them to reconsider their perception of Africa as a high-risk investment destination. Speaking at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, Elumelu emphasized that Africa presents unparalleled opportunities for economic growth and offers some of the highest returns on investment (ROI) globally.

“As an investor with a diversified portfolio spanning four continents—including power, oil & gas, financial services, and healthcare—I can confidently say that nowhere else offers the kind of ROI that Africa does,” Elumelu asserted. He stressed that outdated narratives about Africa’s business environment need to be discarded, allowing investors to recognize the continent’s vast potential.

Citing the remarkable contributions of Heirs Holdings Group, Elumelu highlighted the company’s pivotal role in Africa’s energy sector. “We have the capacity to generate 2,000MW of electricity daily, and currently, our available capacity stands at approximately 1,000MW. This…

Read More
Business Investments

Access Holdings Executive Highlights Resilience of Esther Okuru, Corporate Lawyer and Author

post-image

 Amaechi Michael Okobi, Chief Communications Officer at Access Holdings, recently shared a moving and inspirational story about Esther Okuru, a corporate lawyer at Access Bank Plc. Beyond her legal career, Okuru has emerged as a symbol of resilience, turning personal tragedy into a source of hope for many.

In a heartfelt statement, Okobi introduced Okuru, emphasizing her dual role as a corporate lawyer and a published author. Her book, What Love Left Unfinished, is a deeply personal account of love, loss, and the strength to heal. The book tells the story of how she coped with an unimaginable tragedy—the untimely death of her husband in a motorcycle accident just five weeks after their wedding.

“Thirty-five days. Five weekends. That’s all she got,” Okobi stated, highlighting the brevity of their time together and the devastating impact of such a sudden loss. Despite the overwhelming grief, Okuru found solace and…

Read More
Business Economy Finance Fintech

Zero Processing Fee; GTBank Removes Point of Sale (POS) Processing Fees to Support Businesses

post-image

Guaranty Trust Bank Ltd (www.GTBank.com) has announced the removal of processing fees on all GTBank POS terminals, reinforcing its commitment to supporting businesses with cost-effective payment solutions.

 

This initiative, which took effect Tuesday, 11 February 2025, communicates that merchants using GTBank POS terminals will no longer incur Merchant Service Charges (MSC) when receiving payments from customers.

At Guaranty Trust Bank, we are always looking for ways to add value to our financial ecosystem

With this initiative, all qualifying SME Merchants can now receive payments at zero cost, allowing them to reduce operational expenses, whilst promoting the merchant’s enterprise, and enhancing customer experience.

Speaking on the initiative, Miriam Olusanya, Managing Director, Guaranty Trust Bank Nigeria, said: “At Guaranty Trust Bank, we are always looking for ways to add value to our financial ecosystem. By implementing the zero processing fees on POS transactions, we are empowering businesses to…

Read More
Business

Anambra South Concerned Citizens Petition INEC Over Senate Vacancy

post-image

 

The Anambra South Concerned Citizens, led by Engr. Ikechukwu Nwosu, Convener of the Anambra South Concerned Citizens movement, have formally petitioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the National Assembly, demanding urgent action to fill the vacant senatorial seat in their constituency.

In a strongly worded letter addressed to the INEC Chairman, with copies sent to the Senate President, the Clerk of the National Assembly, and traditional institutions within the constituency, the group expressed deep dissatisfaction over the prolonged vacancy following the passing of their late Senator, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah, who died on July 27, 2024.

Highlighting the implications of the delay, the petitioners noted that Anambra South, which comprises seven local government areas—Nnewi North, Nnewi South, Aguata, Orumba North, Orumba South, Ihiala, and Ekwusigo—has been without representation in the Senate for over 180 days. They described the situation as a gross disenfranchisement of their people, an act of…

Read More