In a significant boost to the protection of girls’ and women’s health and human rights, the Frontida Zois Initiative (FZI), in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the Oyo State Government, and the Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health (CCPRH), on Friday successfully led a widely embraced campaign that culminated in the public abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Ayegoro Community, Lagelu Local Government Area of Oyo State.
The sensitisation and advocacy campaign ended with a public declaration by the traditional leaders and residents of Ayegoro Community, signalling an official end to the age-long harmful practice.
The emotionally charged event, held at the Baale’s palace, the residence of the Baale of Ayegoro, Chief Wahab Kolapo Odeyemi, marked a historic turning point in the community’s commitment to safeguarding the rights, dignity, and well-being of the girl child.
Addressing community members, the Chief Executive Officer of Frontida Zois Initiative, Mrs. Petra Ogunfowokan, said the campaign against FGM became imperative due to the immense physical, psychological, and social harm the practice has inflicted on girls and women over the years.
According to her, the success of the campaign was made possible through the collaboration of the Oyo State Ministries of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, as well as the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, with technical support from CCPRH.
Ogunfowokan urged community members to sustain their cooperation with the government and partner organisations, expressing confidence that the declaration would permanently end the practice in Ayegoro Community.
“We are here to inform and educate you on the need to abandon the age-long practice of FGM. This harmful tradition has caused untold damage to many girls in the past. We appeal to you to end it completely so that the lives and futures of the girl child can be protected,” she said.
In his remarks, the Baale of Ayegoro, Chief Wahab Kolapo Odeyemi, expressed gratitude to FZI, UNFPA, CCPRH, and the Oyo State Government for bringing the sensitisation programme to the community. He announced that Ayegoro would no longer tolerate the practice of FGM.
“From today, Ayegoro Community will no longer permit Female Genital Mutilation. This decision will save lives, protect dignity, and open opportunities for countless girls in our community,” the traditional ruler declared.
He described the health education sessions led by FZI, CCPRH, and other partners on the short- and long-term medical consequences of FGM—such as infections, complications during childbirth, and psychological trauma—as timely and beneficial.
He also welcomed plans to train local health workers and teachers to further educate residents on the dangers of the practice.
The public declaration, convened by Frontida Zois Initiative in partnership with UNFPA, the Oyo State Government, and CCPRH, was described as a practical, community-driven milestone in the fight against Female Genital Mutilation.
Speaking on behalf of the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Akintayo Iyabo Seun stressed that ending FGM was crucial to achieving the state and national target of eliminating the practice by 2030.
“Oyo State must be free of Female Genital Mutilation before 2030. That is the government’s target, and the cooperation of communities like Ayegoro is essential to achieving it,” she said.
She noted that significant progress had been recorded since the commencement of the campaign but urged residents to abandon the practice once and for all. She warned that offenders would face strict penalties under the law.
“There is a stringent penalty for offenders. Anyone caught engaging in FGM risks up to five years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦500,000, or both.
However, our appeal is for people to desist completely so that enforcement will not be necessary,” she added.
Akintayo commended Frontida Zois Initiative, the Oyo State Government , and other partners for their sustained commitment to protecting the rights of women and girls.
The event was attended by key stakeholders, including UNFPA Gender/Female Analyst, Mrs Uzoma Ayodeji; CCPRH representative, Yelotan Emmanuel- Monitoring and Evaluation Officer; Mrs Tolulope Babawarun- Senior Programme Coordinator ; the Osi Iyalode of Ayegoro Community, Mrs Saidat Moroof; the Iyalode of the community, Mrs Mujidat Omobola Owoade; as well as other community leaders.
Traditional rulers, religious leaders, women’s groups, health workers, youth representatives, and numerous families were also present at the programme, underscoring broad community support for the abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation in Ayegoro Community.
