The wife of the Governor of the State of Osun and President of the Ilerioluwa Development Initiative, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola, has called on all relevant stakeholders to partner with the government in the fight against the age-old harmful practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
She said that with the provision of an improved and relevant healthcare scheme for women and the girl child, coupled with proper orientation, the practice could be eradicated.
Mrs Oyetola, who stated this at the State Government House, Oke-fia, Osogbo, during the commemoration of the International Day of Zero tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, appreciated stakeholders’ commitments and resilience, which, according to her, have helped in bringing down the curve of the dangerous traditional practice.
She added that although there have been encouraging reports from different quarters of the State, the prevailing data in the latest report of the Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey requires more multi-sectorial involvement and investment of efforts.
Mrs Oyetola said the COVID-19 pandemic that is currently ravaging the world has unfortunately placed an additional burden on the society, thereby crippling the drive to eradicate the act within the projected time frame.
She also frowned at the increasing rate of gender-based violence, adding that there had been a spike in cases of rape and domestic violence in recent times, especially during the lockdown.
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Rafiu Isamotu, pledged the unflinching support of the State’s heth sector in eradicating Female Genital Mutilation in the State of Osun.
Among other strategic action plans, stakeholders at the forum also suggested that more media sensitization and awareness campaigns, coupled with adequate but necessary incentives for whistle-blowers alongside proper circulation of FGM laws should be put in place to achieve tangible results in the drive to end the practice in Osun and Nigeria as a whole.
