By Seyi Babalola
Veteran Nollywood actress Victoria Inyama has generated internet debate by sharing her personal experience with female circumcision, which she describes as both traumatic and, in her view, beneficial.
In a video shared on Wednesday by media personality Daddy Freeze on his Instagram page, Inyama stated that she had the treatment as a youngster while living with her grandmother in the village.
According to her, the experience, while unpleasant, impacted her attitude and personal choices as an adult.
“FGM is evil, but you now have to deal with the consequences of that thing…” she said.
The actress explained that she believes the procedure contributed to her sense of discipline and control, particularly in relationships.
“But that is what is helping me. Ife, that’s the best thing. That is the power that I have as a woman… nobody can say they saw me in this hotel or with this person. That is the best thing my grandmother did for me,” she added.
Despite her stance, Inyama did not minimise the gravity of the situation, remembering the pain and trauma she experienced at a young age.
“I think I was like five or six. I can remember the pain, the trauma… they gave me kaikai… they held me down. I think I fainted,” she said.
She further noted that the procedure was carried out by a specialist and described it as quick, though deeply distressing at the time.
She was asked if she does the same for her daughters “She’s British now… I no fit, it’s not a crime,” she said.
Defending her stance, she added, “If I born them for Nigerian… I go do am. No be me get children now, na the papa get children.”
She continued and said that if the husband wants their daughters, she will accept even though she went through trauma.
“I had trauma too, but now I think that’s the best thing that happened to me.”
Leave a comment