In a renewed effort to accelerate the elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Oyo State, Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria (TBI), with support from UNICEF Nigeria, convened a one-day capacity strengthening workshop for 40 justice sector actors in Olorunsogo Local Government Area.
Held in Igbeti, the training brought together critical justice and security stakeholders including officers from the Nigeria Police Force, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Nigerian Army, Nigeria Immigration Service, Amotekun Corps, Park Rangers, Federal Road Safety Corps, magistrates, legal aid providers, and gender desk officers. The sessions focused on FGM-related legislation, evidence handling, and survivor protection.
The workshop, facilitated by Dr. Dare Olagoke-Adaramoye, Executive Director of Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria, featured interactive presentations, group discussions, and dialogue sessions exploring how justice institutions can effectively enforce anti-FGM laws while ensuring survivor-sensitive protection and prosecution.
The Traditional Council of Igbeti expressed full support for the initiative, reaffirming the community’s readiness to collaborate with law enforcement agencies to eradicate the harmful practice.
Magistrates in attendance pledged to fast-track judicial processes involving FGM survivors, ensuring justice is timely, compassionate, and rights-based. Law enforcement representatives also committed to joint coordination for effective investigation, prosecution, and prevention of FGM.
Dr. Olagoke-Adaramoye emphasized that “strengthening coordination among justice actors is crucial to ensure FGM cases are not only reported but diligently prosecuted, with survivors treated with dignity and care.”
