Mrs Makinde Reaffirms Commitment to Eliminate FGM Before 2030

…As Govt vows prosecution of offenders as stakeholders push for sustained action.

The Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, has strongly condemned the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), describing it as inhumane, harmful, and a gross violation of the dignity and fundamental rights of the girl-child.

She called for intensified efforts toward the complete eradication of the practice before 2030.

Mrs Makinde made this declaration at the 2026 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation held at the Local Government Service Commission Secretariat, Ibadan.

Represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs. Ajibike Lawal, the First Lady noted that the global observance serves as a critical platform to confront harmful traditional practices that continue to endanger the health and future of women and girls.

“Female Genital Mutilation, commonly referred to as FGM, is a deeply harmful practice that exposes the girl-child to severe physical and psychological trauma. It violates human dignity and denies girls their fundamental right to bodily integrity and freedom,” she stated.

Rejecting cultural and traditional justifications for the act, she emphasized that no belief system or custom should ever be used to rationalize harm against a child.

Chief Mrs. Lawal acknowledged that stigma, misinformation, and deeply entrenched social norms continue to sustain the practice.

She, however, commended stakeholders in Oyo State for progress achieved through sustained advocacy and enforcement efforts.

Mrs Lawal reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to prosecute offenders and called for strengthened grassroots sensitisation.

“I urge community leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and law enforcement agencies to intensify public enlightenment and encourage individuals to speak out against this harmful practice,” she said.

“Every girl deserves the opportunity to grow up whole, healthy, and empowered. Our daughters are not objects to be harmed, but treasures to be protected.”

In her welcome address, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, described the theme of the event, ‘Towards 2030: No End to FGM Without Sustained Commitment and Investment,’ as a clear call for coordinated and sustained action.

“This theme goes beyond rhetoric; it demands enduring commitment, strategic investment, and collective accountability.

Ending FGM requires consistent collaboration across sectors,” she said, stressing that the practice offers no medical benefit and results in severe health and psychological consequences.

Providing medical insights, Dr. Tunde Oyewole Aremu of the Ministry of Health highlighted the grave health implications of FGM, describing it as a significant public health concern.

He noted that victims face risks including infections, excessive bleeding, childbirth complications, and long-term psychological trauma.

Addressing the legal framework, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Olubunmi Aare, underscored the state government’s resolve to enforce existing laws prohibiting FGM.

“Female Genital Mutilation is a criminal offence under the law.

Any individual found culpable, whether practitioners, parents, guardians, or accomplices, will be prosecuted accordingly,”

she warned, adding that legal enforcement would be complemented by continuous public enlightenment campaigns.

In his remarks, Chief Abobade Muftau, representing the Circumcisers Association, acknowledged ongoing engagement between the government and traditional practitioners.

He expressed the association’s willingness to abandon the practice and explore safer alternative livelihoods.

The event brought together government officials, civil society organisations, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, and community advocates, all reaffirming their collective commitment to eliminating Female Genital Mutilation in Oyo State before 2030.