By Babatunde Tiamiyu
There is need for sustainable commitment and deliberate investment, if the target to end Female Genital Mutilation, FGM would be a reality.
This was the consensus of stakeholders at a event organised by Oyo State government in collaboration with United Nations Fund for Population Activities, UNFPA and United Nations Children Fund, UNICF, in Ibadan, in commemorate of International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, FGM, centered on the theme: No End to FGM without Sustained Commitment and Investment.”
Keynote Speaker at Event and Chairman of the Oyo State House Committee on Women Affairs and Community Development, Hon. Olufunke “Comforter” Olajide, made a clarion call to effective action, urging society to build a community where every girl can thrive free from the threat of mutilation.
Hon. Olajide who also highlighted the severe psychosocial and physical health risks associated with FGM, reaffirmed the Assembly’s commitment to legislative policies that will drive the state toward the global goal of zero tolerance by 2030.
On his part, Permanent Secretary,Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, who is also a champion of “End FGM” Campaign acknowledged the challenges associated with the eradicating the practice due to its deep roots in tradition and religion.
Contributing, the state Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Mr. Biodun Aikomo, represented by Gender Violence Prohibition Officer, Mrs. Olajumoke Yusuff,acknowledged the vital role of the media in raising awareness and proposed establishing dedicated desk officers in every local government Headquarters to facilitate reporting by victims.
The Executive Secretary, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr.Muideen Olatunji, in a remark described the mission to end FGM as a continuous call to societal responsibility for all.
Earlier in a presentation, Professor Oladosu Ojengbede the Executive Director, Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health, CCPRH, Professor Oladosu Ojengbede cautioned that as the 2030 deadline draws closer, the global promise to end FGM has reached a critical stage requiring urgent action from concerned stakeholders.
A FGM survivor, Hajia Aisha Ismailia, popularly known as “Mata – N – Arewa”, described the act as evil and detrimental to a female child’s future well being.
Other stakeholders which include media executives called for sustained investment to protect the dignity and health of the girl child in Oyo State.
The briefing was put together by development partners including CCPRH, UNFPA – UNICEF joint Program on FGM elimination in collaboration with NUJ Correspondents Chapel in Oyo State.
