By Busola Oworu
Copyright tribuneonlineng
Oyo State government has entered into partnership with United Nations Children Fund in its campaign against Female Genital Mutilation and other related offences.
The partnership became imperative in order to enhance prosecution of the related offences across Oyo, Edo, Ekiti, and Osun states.
The workshop focused on strengthening justice system responses, promoting survivor-centered approaches, and improving collaboration among sectors in the fight against FGM.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Rotimi Babalola, Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Ministry of Information representing the Commissioner, Prince Dotun Oyelade, described the engagement as both apt and timely, especially given the continued prevalence of FGM despite existing legal frameworks.
“All five states have adopted the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) and the Child Rights Law, which criminalize FGM. However, weak enforcement, poor reporting, and limited survivor-centered responses continue to undermine progress,” Babalola said.
He commended UNICEF for spearheading the initiative, noting that the workshop seeks to enhance stakeholder capacity, improve documentation and prosecution of cases, and strengthen protection for survivors.
UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Mr. Denis Onoise, emphasized the urgency of eradicating FGM, outlining its four classifications, clitoridectomy, excision, infibulation, and other harmful forms. He stressed that while legislative progress has been made, actual prosecutions remain rare.
“We must do ten times more to meet the 2030 goal of ending FGM in Nigeria,” Onoise said, calling for increased legal enforcement, dedicated funding, and ongoing engagement with traditional leaders and male advocacy groups.
Dr. Dare Adaramoye, Executive Director of Trailblazer Initiative, called for the establishment of specialized courts to fast-track gender-based violence cases, including FGM.
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Participants at the workshop are expected to emerge with improved knowledge of FGM-related laws and procedures, and a renewed commitment to coordinated, multi-sectoral action. The initiative also aims to reinforce community engagement and promote zero tolerance for FGM.
“FGM does not prevent promiscuity. It is not culture. Give your girl child education—not mutilation,” one speaker declared.
