Kajola-Jonku Community in the Iwo Road area of Lagelu Local Government, Oyo State, has publicly declared the total abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), marking a historic step towards safeguarding the health, dignity, and rights of girls and women.
The landmark declaration was made during a well-attended programme held at Christ Apostolic Church, Mountain of Joy, Kajola Street, Iwo Road, Ibadan.
The event drew community leaders, health professionals, traditional birth attendants, women’s groups, youth associations, and development partners who gathered to witness the end of a deeply rooted but harmful cultural practice.
In his remarks, the Baale of the community, Chief Francis Olusola Daramola, expressed gratitude to residents for turning out for the important programme. He noted that the message on the dangers of FGM was well received, and the community had collectively agreed to put an end to the age-long, injurious practice.
Chief Daramola announced that some officers have been trained to take the anti-FGM message to every household in Kajola Jonku, expressing confidence that the harmful practice will no longer be tolerated.
Describing the declaration as “a new dawn for Kajola-Jonku and a commitment to protecting the future of their daughters,” the Baale stressed that no cultural tradition should endanger the lives or well-being of children. He highlighted that FGM has been medically proven to cause severe health complications, psychological trauma, and even death.
The Baale commended the efforts of Frontida Zois Initiative (FZI), in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Oyo State Government, and the Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health (CCPRH), for focusing on raising awareness about the dangers of FGM and mobilising the community to take collective action.
He gave special recognition to the Chief Executive Officer of FZI, Mrs. Petra Ogunfowokan, for her tireless engagement with communities through sensitization and awareness campaigns, noting that the community’s decision to abandon FGM stemmed from extensive dialogue, education, and consultation with key stakeholders.
Women and youth groups expressed joy at the historic decision, noting that many residents had long practised FGM due to cultural pressure and misinformation. They praised the sensitization efforts, stating that the programme had helped them better understand the dangers associated with the practice and the need to embrace safer, healthier traditions.
In a symbolic show of commitment, the Baale signed a declaration document reaffirming the community’s resolve to end FGM. An award was also presented to him.
Speaking at the event, a representative of the Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health (CCPRH) at the University College Hospital (UCH), Miss Agnes Aderinola Oyeniran, stated that the declaration became necessary to stop the harmful practice and protect future generations.
She commended the courage of Kajola-Jonku residents and urged them to remain resolute in their commitment, while also calling on neighbouring communities to follow their example. She also commended UNFPA for supporting the programme, noting that the agency’s dedication to protecting the rights and dignity of women and children remains unwavering.
Miss Oyeniran stressed that FGM has no health benefits, only lifelong consequences. She noted that Nigeria remains among the countries with the highest prevalence of FGM globally, with millions of girls at risk annually. According to her, collaboration among the media, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders is essential to achieving the global target of eliminating FGM by 2030.
She educated participants on the medical consequences of FGM, including severe bleeding, infections, complications during childbirth, infertility, and long-term emotional trauma. She urged parents and caregivers to embrace modern medical knowledge and prioritize the safety and rights of their daughters.
In her remarks, Mrs. Petra Ogunfowokan Chief Executive Officer, Frontida Zois Initiative explained that the programme enjoyed the collaboration of the Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Justice, Health, and the Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, alongside technical support from the Oyo State Government and CCPRH. She added that the event was funded under the UNFPA-UNICEF Joint Programme.
The community concluded the declaration with a unified pledge:
“We thank the Baale, Chief Daramola and the people of Kajola-Jonku community in Lagelu Local Government Area for this declaration. It is our firm belief that FGM/C is not and cannot be of any benefit to our people or community.
We therefore stand together in unity to declare that: henceforth there is going to be abandoment on the practice of Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting.
All members of the community should work to ensure that the total abandonment of this harmful practice.”
