In a bold move to end one of the most entrenched harmful traditional practices in Nigeria, Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria (TBI), in collaboration with the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion and with support from UNICEF Nigeria, convened a one-day high-level advocacy meeting with influential community leaders from across Olorunsogo LGA.
The meeting, held in Igbeti, brought together over 50 traditional rulers, religious clerics, women leaders, and youth representatives to publicly denounce Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and commit to its eradication.
In recognition of his leadership in protecting the rights of women and girls, His Royal Majesty, Oba Engr. Bashir Olamilekan Abioye Siyanbola IV was decorated as an EndFGM Champion.
Delivering a keynote presentation, Dr. Dare Adaramoye highlighted the health risks, human rights violations, and legal implications of FGM under the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, urging leaders to champion anti-FGM campaigns in their domains.
FGM prevalence remains a significant challenge in Oyo State, with 43.2% of women aged 15–49 and 21.1% of girls aged 0–14 affected, according to the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey.
Participants signed a public declaration and commitment banner, pledging to mobilize their communities towards sustainable elimination of the practice.
The initiative is part of an ongoing UNICEF-supported project targeting 20 intervention communities across four LGAs in Oyo State.
