The call to end female genital mutilation (FGM) in Kwara State has gained momentum as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) urged the state government to create an emergency fund dedicated to tackling the harmful practice that still threatens the future of many young girls.
Speaking in Ilorin during a training for civil society organisations, healthcare workers, judiciary, and security agencies on FGM prevention, survivor care, and gender-based violence case management, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Dr. Wilfred Mamah, described FGM as a “horrific mutilation of the female body” and a major violation of girls’ rights.
“We expect government at the highest level to raise a fund, an emergency grant, to end FGM in Kwara.
“Once such a grant is provided, UNICEF will match it.
“That strong political will can galvanize traditional institutions, local governments, and international partners to declare FGM unacceptable in any part of Kwara,” Mamah said.
He acknowledged that Kwara already has strong legislations such as the Child Rights Law (2006) and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, but noted that enforcement remains weak.
“People are not being prosecuted despite the laws in place,” he stressed.
The State Commissioner for Social Development, Hon. Mariam Nnafatima Imam, echoed the need for more than just laws to combat FGM.
“The fight against FGM, GBV, and violence against girls is not just a legal battle – it is a moral and social responsibility.
“We must bridge the gap between law and practice so that our girls not only know their rights but also feel protected enough to seek justice,” she said.
Also speaking, the State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Senior Ibrahim, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Barrister Grillo Sabitiyu Kikelomo, pledged government commitment to enforcement.
“Our state has made significant progress through the Child Rights Law and the Violence Against Persons Law, 2020.
“These laws reflect Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s determination to safeguard the rights of female citizens,” he said.
He added that community sensitization remains crucial.
Civil society groups are also taking the campaign to grassroots communities, schools, and traditional leaders.
Dr Christiana Abayomi-Oluwole, Chief Executive Officer of Global Hope for Women and Children Foundation (GLOHWOC), revealed that over 55,000 people across four local governments have signed pledges to abandon FGM, while more than 30 schools have set up anti-FGM clubs.
“When leaders denounce FGM from the pulpit and the palace, the entire community listens.
“Some practitioners are even willing to abandon the practice if supported with alternative livelihoods,” she said.
UNICEF and its partners are pushing for more resources to expand the campaign across all 16 local government areas of Kwara.
“Every fight against entrenched cultural practices like FGM requires resources.
“Kwara is a beautiful state, and we do not want it to be painted negatively outside as a leading hub of FGM.
“The time to act with funding and collaboration is now,” Dr Mamah urged.
(vitalnewsngr.com)
