From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
In a significant move to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), residents of Ira community in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State, have pledged their total commitment to eradicating the harmful cultural practice.
The pledge was made during a town hall meeting on zero tolerance for FGM held on May 28, 2025, at Ira Town Hall. The event was organised by the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development in collaboration with the Global Hope for Women and Children Foundation (GLOHWOC), with support from UNICEF.
Addressing the gathering, the Director of Social Development, Mr James Kayode, who represented the Commissioner for Social Development, described FGM as a dangerous and outdated practice that causes severe physical and psychological damage to girls and women. He stressed that the state government is determined to ensure the complete eradication of FGM in Kwara.
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“This harmful act results in complications such as prolonged bleeding, infections, lifelong trauma, and even death in extreme cases. It has no place in any civilised society and must be stopped,” he said.
Founder of GLOHWOC, Dr Christy Abayomi-Oluwole, gave an in-depth explanation of the various forms of FGM including clitoridectomy, excision and infibulation. She listed the risks involved such as chronic pain, difficulty in childbirth, reduced sexual function, and psychological distress.
She dismissed common misconceptions linking FGM to religious or moral obligations, clarifying that it is not recommended by any religion but is a product of harmful traditional beliefs. “The idea that uncircumcised women are promiscuous is not only false but damaging. FGM has no medical or spiritual benefits,” she added.
Speaking at the event, former State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Olusegun Adeyemi, appealed to men and boys to take an active role in ending FGM, emphasising their positions as fathers, husbands, and community leaders.
“Men must no longer stand on the sidelines. It is time to become champions of change in our homes and communities,” he urged.
At the end of the session, male participants signed pledge forms, publicly declaring their commitment to end FGM in their communities.
Religious leaders from both Islam and Christianity present at the meeting also affirmed that there is no religious basis for the practice, supporting its complete abolition.
Officials reminded attendees that FGM is a criminal offence under the Child Rights Law and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Law. Offenders risk a jail term of up to four years, a fine of 200,000 naira, or both penalties where deemed necessary by the court.
The Onira of Ira, Oba Abdulwahab Oyewale Oyetoro, praised the organisers and noted that while FGM is no longer widespread in Ira, the campaign must continue. “We will not relent in educating our people, both indigenes and non-indigenes, to ensure FGM becomes a thing of the past in Oyun and beyond,” he said.
