The Oyo State Government has intensified its campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), calling for sustained political commitment, tougher legislation and increased funding to permanently end the harmful practice. Officials warned that progress recorded over the years could easily be reversed without deliberate, coordinated and consistent action.
The renewed appeal was made in Ibadan during a media briefing to mark the 2026 International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM. The event was organised by the Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health (CCPRH) in collaboration with the Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), with support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Delivering the keynote address, the Chairman of the Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Women Affairs and Community Development, Dr. Olufunke Olajide, described the protection of the girl child as a shared responsibility that demands sustained action across government institutions, communities and civil society.
She condemned FGM as a deeply harmful traditional practice with severe health, psychological and social consequences, noting that victims often suffer lifelong trauma. According to her, the fight against FGM must be anchored on strong legislative oversight, adequate budgetary allocation and unwavering policy continuity.
It was also stressed that existing laws must not only be strengthened but effectively enforced to ensure every girl is protected and allowed to thrive without fear.
