Ondo Govt reaffirms commitment to ending FGM ....Partners UNICEF, BIGIF in safeguarding girls, women


The Ondo State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the elimination of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the state through strategic partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development (BIGIF).


This pledge was reiterated during an advocacy visit by UNICEF and BIGIF to the Ministry of Women Affairs and social development, Akure, aimed at scaling up community-led responses and safeguarding the health and dignity of girls and women.


Welcoming the team on behalf of the state government, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Osamaye, lauded the efforts of development partners and reiterated that the intervention aligns with Governor Lucky  Aiyedatiwa’s “OUR EASE” development agenda, particularly its pillars on Efficient Healthcare and Socio-Economic Welfare.

“FGM is not only a grave violation of human rights but a major threat to the well-being and future of our girls. Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration remains fully committed to ensuring Ondo becomes FGM-free. We are proud to partner with UNICEF and BIGIF in this cause,” she said.

Dr. Osamaye also noted that the Ministry of Women Affairs will provide full support and serve as a bridge between stakeholders and the vulnerable population to ensure that the intervention reaches grassroots communities.

Mr. Denis Onoise, Child Protection Specialist at UNICEF Lagos Field Office, commended Ondo State for prioritizing the protection of women and children. He emphasized that the fight against FGM goes beyond legislation and requires sustained community engagement.

“Ending FGM requires dialogue, empowerment, and community-driven solutions. We are here to support Ondo State in building these structures and ensuring that girls have the agency to reject harmful practices,” he stated.

Dr. Oluwatumininu Adedeji, Executive Director of BIGIF, described the partnership as a renewed effort to consolidate progress made in eliminating FGM. She highlighted that the project would foster inclusive programming, multi-stakeholder engagement, and grassroots mobilization to protect the dignity and rights of every girl.

The advocacy visit also served as a rallying point for government officials, civil society actors, traditional and religious leaders, and youth advocates to unite against harmful traditional practices. The collective commitment demonstrated signals a hopeful path towards ending FGM in every community where it still exists in Ondo State.

In attendance at the meeting were key officials of the ministry including the Acting Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Olukemi Odusola; Director of Child Affairs, Mefun Tudor; Director of Women Affairs, Mrs. Oladiran; Director of Finance, Mrs. Ronke Filani; and Director of Social Welfare, Mr. Oyegunwa, along with the visiting UNICEF team.

The Ondo State Government urges all community members, leaders, and institutions to join hands in ensuring a safer future for girls,free from violence, empowered to thrive, and able to achieve their full potential.

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