Ilorin: The Kwara State Government has taken decisive steps to combat the persistent issue of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) by involving religious and community leaders in Fate, Ilorin South Local Government Area. This initiative aims to curb the outdated practice through community engagement and education.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the state government, in collaboration with the Global Hope for Women and Children (GLOHWOC), organized a town hall meeting that brought together Imams, artisans, and community leaders. The meeting was focused on discussing the detrimental effects and implications of FGM. Mr. Kayode James, Director of Social Welfare at the Ministry of Social Development, emphasized the importance of enlightening the community about the dangers of FGM, highlighting that it remains a prevalent issue in the state. He mentioned that the state's Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law 2020 would be enforced on any violators post-sensitization efforts.
GLOHWOC's CEO, Madam Christy Abayomi-Oluwole, shared that statistics reveal one in three girls in Kwara are subjected to FGM. She stressed the need for zero tolerance towards FGM and other harmful traditional practices, clarifying that many engage in FGM due to cultural traditions without understanding its full implications. Abayomi-Oluwole outlined the severe consequences of FGM, including health, mental, and psychological impacts, and emphasized the importance of community advocacy to dispel longstanding myths.
Further, GLOHWOC official Mr. Segun Adeyemi highlighted the critical role men play in the campaign against FGM, as they are often the decision-makers in families. The District Head of Fate Community, Alhaji Abdulmumin Ayoku, praised the initiative for enlightening the community and urged men to actively participate in the advocacy against FGM. He noted that many communities practicing FGM were unaware of its harmful effects due to deep-rooted cultural traditions.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Kwara ranks second in Nigeria for FGM prevalence, with 58 percent, following Imo state at 62 percent. The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) also facilitated this advocacy program.