In continuation of activities marking the 2026 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria (TBI) on 5th February 2026 engaged students of Oba Akinbiyi Model College School II in an interactive sensitization session aimed at addressing myths, misconceptions, and harmful social norms surrounding Female Genital Mutilation.
The engagement was organized in line with the global theme, “Toward 2030: No End to Female Genital Mutilation without Commitment and Investment,” and sought to empower young people with accurate information on FGM while encouraging them to take active roles in advocating for its total eradication.
The programme commenced with opening remarks by Mrs. Bamydele Oluwapelumi, who formally introduced Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria and conveyed appreciation to the school management on behalf of the Executive Director, Dr. Dare Olagoke-Adaramoye. She acknowledged the presence of the school principal, non-teaching staff, students, and members of the TBI team, while commending the school for providing a safe and enabling platform to engage young people on such a critical human rights and public health issue.
Leading the sensitization session, Mrs. Bamydele delivered an engaging and informative presentation on Female Genital Mutilation. She explained the various types of FGM, highlighted its severe health, psychological, and social consequences, and emphasized the long-term damage the practice has inflicted on generations. She underscored the importance of equipping young people with correct knowledge and urged students to become informed voices and advocates against FGM within their families, schools, and communities.
Reinforcing the call to action, Miss Aishat, a member of the TBI team, encouraged students never to remain silent about FGM. She stressed the importance of consistently speaking out against the practice and urged students to sustain conversations on FGM wherever they find themselves—at home, in school, and within their communities.
The session was highly interactive, with students actively participating and making personal commitments to the cause. Babatunde Fathia a student shared her understanding of FGM and pledged to be a positive change wherever she finds herself. Olagunju Fadidin – a student committed to speaking out against FGM at all times and vowed never to remain silent, while Akinleye Temiloluwa (Student) expressed his determination to be the change his generation needs.
Mrs. Bamydele further unpacked the significance of the 2026 global theme, emphasizing that sustained commitment and strategic investment are critical to achieving the total eradication of FGM by 2030. The session concluded with a strong call to action, encouraging students to avoid hate speech, show empathy and support for survivors, and serve as ambassadors against FGM within and beyond the school environment.
In her closing remarks, the school principal, Mrs. Adebanji Adebisi Mary, expressed deep appreciation to Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria, its Executive Director, staff, and students for the impactful engagement. She encouraged participants to internalize the lessons learned and remain advocates of positive change.
The sensitization programme reached a total of 1,231 students and 48 staff members, reinforcing Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria’s commitment to youth engagement and community-driven action toward ending Female Genital Mutilation in Nigeria.
