The Wife of the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, has condemned the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), describing it as inhumane, dangerous, and a violation of the dignity and rights of the girl-child, while calling for its total eradication before 2030.
She made the declaration at the 2026 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation held at the Local Government Service Commission Secretariat in Ibadan.
Represented by the Wife of the Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs. Ajibike Lawal, the First Lady said the global observance provides an opportunity to confront harmful traditional practices affecting women and girls.
“Female genital mutilation, commonly known as FGM, is a harmful practice that exposes a girl child to life-threatening physical and emotional trauma. It is a violation of human dignity and a denial of a girl’s right to bodily integrity and freedom,” she said.
Rejecting cultural justifications for the act, she added, “No tradition or belief should ever justify harming a child.”
Lawal noted that stigma, misinformation, and entrenched social norms continue to sustain the practice but commended stakeholders in Oyo State for progress made through advocacy and enforcement.
She, however, warned that the fight was not over, reiterating government’s readiness to punish offenders and urging intensified grassroots sensitisation.
“I want to call on community leaders, traditional rulers, and law enforcement agencies to continue educating society and encourage people to speak up against this harmful practice,” she said.
“Every girl deserves to grow up whole and healthy. Our daughters are not objects to be harmed, but treasures to be protected,” She said.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun, described the theme “Towards 2030: No End to FGM Without Sustained Commitment and Investment” as a call for urgent and coordinated action.
“This theme is not just a slogan; it is a call to action. Ending FGM requires enduring resolve, strategic investment, and collective accountability,” she said, noting that the practice causes severe health and psychological consequences despite having no medical benefit.
From the health sector, Dr. Tunde Oyewole Aremu of the Ministry of Health presented medical data on the implications of FGM, warning that the practice remains a major public health concern.
“FGM has no health benefit whatsoever. Instead, it exposes victims to infections, excessive bleeding, complications in childbirth, and long-term psychological trauma that can last a lifetime,” he stated.
Also speaking on the legal dimension, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Justice, Mrs. Olubunmi Aare, outlined sanctions awaiting perpetrators, stressing government’s resolve to enforce existing laws.
“Female genital mutilation is a criminal offence under our laws. Anyone found culpable, whether practitioners, witnesses, parents, or accomplices, is liable to prosecution and punishment,” she warned.
She further noted that legal enforcement would be strengthened alongside public enlightenment.
Chief Abobade Muftau, representing the Circumcisers Association, acknowledged the ongoing engagement between government and traditional practitioners.
“We are being sensitised on the dangers of this practice and the need to abandon it. Many of our members are willing to support the campaign and embrace safer, alternative livelihoods,” he said.
The event brought together government officials, civil society organisations, development partners, traditional and religious leaders, and community advocates in renewed commitment to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation in Oyo State before 2030.
