The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), in partnership with a leading non-governmental organisation, Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development (BIGIF), has joined hand with the Ondo State Government to intensify efforts towards the total eradication of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the state.
According to the stakeholders, the collaboration was part of their broader commitment in order to safeguard the health, rights and dignity of girls and women in Nigeria.
Denis Onoise, the Child Protection Specialist at the UNICEF Lagos field office, in his remarks during the advocacy visit to the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs on Friday in Akure, appreciated the state government for its commitment to the welfare of children and women in particular.
Onoise, who emphasized the importance of collective action in combating the Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) said; “ending FGM requires more than just laws, it demands community dialogue, empowerment, and sustained advocacy.
“So we are here to support Ondo State in strengthening community-based mechanisms and empowering girls with the knowledge and confidence to say no to FGM.”
Oluwatumininu Adedeji, the Executive Director of Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development (BIGIF) said the intervention was a renewed effort to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and safeguard the rights and well-being of girls and women in the state.
According to her, despite a national decline in FGM prevalence, the practice persists in parts of Nigeria, including Ondo State.
She, therefore, said the partnership seeks to build on existing progress through sustained public engagement, policy advocacy, and inclusive programmes that leave no one behind and do no harms.
“Our approach focuses on engaging youth and women, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating mothers, men, grandparents, and traditional, community and religious leaders, legislators, justice sector actors, health workers, and families to shift deeply rooted social norms that subordinate the practice of FGM. We are seeing change happen where communities take ownership of this issue.
“This initiative will include a comprehensive package of interventions such as public education campaigns, school-based outreach, youth engagement, capacity building for frontline health workers, and the establishment of community surveillance, response systems and survivor support services.
“The project will facilitate a multi-stakeholder partnership which underscores a shared commitment to promoting the health, dignity, and human rights of every girl and woman in Ondo State,” Adedeji said.
Seun Osamaye, the Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Women Affairs and Social Development, who said the state government would continue to focus on the efficient healthcare and socioeconomic welfare of the people, commended UNICEF and its partners for their unwavering support in protecting girls from harmful practices.
Osamaye said, “FGM is not only a grave violation of the rights of girls and women but also a threat to their health, wellbeing and future. Ondo State is determined to end this harmful practice, and we are proud to work with partners who share this commitment.
“I want to assure you that our ministry is open to partnering with stakeholders towards the achievement of the development goals of our dear governor’s led administration.”
The Special Adviser who described the ministry of Women Affairs as a bridge to the vulnerable population, promised to work positively with (BIGIF) and other stakeholders in the state.
