LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Veteran Nollywood actress Victoria Inyama has sparked conversation after opening up about her personal experience with female genital mutilation (FGM), describing it as both traumatic and influential in shaping her life.
Speaking during an Instagram Live session with media personality Daddy Freeze, the actress reflected on the controversial practice, widely known as circumcision.
She shared that she got circumcised when she was around six years old, living in the village with her grandmother.
Inyama said that despite the intense pain she endured, so severe she passed out during the procedure, she believes it has played a role in shaping her self-discipline and curbing sexual urges.
“FGM is evil. You now have to deal with the consequences. I was circumcised because I grew up with my grandmother in the village. That’s the best thing that they did for me because it is helping me a lot,” she said.
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The actress went further to explain how the experience has influenced her personal choices, especially regarding relationships. According to her, “no means no,” which she believes has helped her maintain a clean public image free of infidelity rumors.
“If I say I no dey do, I no dey do. And that is the power that I have. That’s why nobody can say they’ve seen me with a man in any hotel,” Inyama added.
Despite describing FGM as harmful, she maintained that it has helped her avoid what she called promiscuous behaviour.
When the topic shifted to if she’ll allow her daughter be circumcised, Inyama recalled her own painful experience at such a young age. She revealed that she lost a lot of blood and was in intense pain.
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However, Inyama made it clear she would not independently decide for her child.
“I would not make that decision myself,” she said, noting that such a choice would be left to the child’s father.
The actress’s remarks have reignited public debate around FGM, a practice widely condemned by global health organizations for its crude methods, severe pain inflicted on young girls, and the risks of infection and excessive blood loss, while also highlighting how personal experiences can shape deeply nuanced perspectives.
