The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), calling for stronger collaboration across sectors as it reviews its 2026–2030 action plan to eliminate the harmful practice.
The renewed push was announced during a stakeholders’ meeting in Ilorin, where the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade, stressed the need for a coordinated, multi-sectoral approach.
Represented by Rasheed Ubandawaki, the commissioner said the fight against FGM requires collective responsibility beyond government efforts.
“This fight cannot be left to government alone. Traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organisations, law enforcement agencies, and communities must all be involved,” she said.
Government strengthens legal and advocacy efforts
Afolashade highlighted ongoing enforcement of key legal frameworks, including the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child Rights Law, aimed at protecting women and children from abuse.
She noted that the state has intensified advocacy campaigns, engaging first-class traditional rulers across the three senatorial districts, appointing anti-FGM champions, and securing commitments through signed pledges.
Grassroots sensitisation efforts have also expanded to schools, religious institutions, and market associations, particularly within Ilorin metropolis, to discourage the practice and protect the girl-child.
Stakeholders call for data-driven interventions
At the meeting, public health officials and rights advocates emphasised the need for accurate data to effectively combat FGM.
The Director of Public Health, Oluwatosin Fakayode, represented by Buhari Oladimeji, called for a comprehensive survey to identify practitioners across all 16 local government areas.
Similarly, National Human Rights Commission state director, Jumoke Olaoye, said awareness campaigns have been intensified, including community sensitisation and promotion of legal protections.
Challenges in enforcement
Despite progress, legal experts pointed to persistent challenges in prosecuting offenders. Barrister Funke Balogun noted that family interference often undermines cases, discouraging victims and weakening the justice process.
She also called for economic alternatives for practitioners to discourage reliance on FGM as a source of livelihood.
Next steps
The state government plans to convene an FGM convention to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, as part of broader efforts to mobilise stakeholders and strengthen enforcement.
FGM, which involves the partial or total removal of female genitalia for non-medical reasons, is widely recognised as a violation of the fundamental rights, health, and dignity of women and girls.
With renewed policy direction and stakeholder engagement, Kwara aims to accelerate progress toward eliminating the practice and safeguarding the future of the girl-child.
