Oyo govt intensifies campaign against female genital mutilation

By Adejayan Gbenga

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund and the Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health, has stepped up efforts to eliminate female genital mutilation (FGM) through a capacity-building training for health workers across the state.

The one-day training, held in Oyo Town, brought together medical officers, health educators and monitoring and evaluation officers from all 33 LGAs, as part of a broader initiative to end harmful traditional practices and protect the rights of women and girls.

The Executive Secretary of the Board, Muideen Olatunji, represented by Dr Abiodun Akeem Akande, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to eradicating FGM.

He described the practice as outdated and harmful, stressing the need for sustained advocacy, grassroots engagement and stronger healthcare systems.

Olatunji noted that primary healthcare workers are critical to driving behavioural change at community level and urged participants to play active roles in promoting the abandonment of FGM.

The training equipped participants with skills to identify, prevent and respond to cases of FGM and other forms of gender-based violence, while also strengthening referral systems for survivors.

During a session, Bilikis Olawoyin, a programme officer, provided insights into the causes, prevalence and consequences of FGM, emphasising that the practice has no medical benefits and exposes victims to serious physical, psychological and emotional harm.

Participants also examined socio-cultural factors sustaining FGM, including myths and societal pressure, and were trained on referral pathways to ensure survivors receive medical care, psychosocial support and legal assistance. The programme highlighted FGM as both a preventable public health issue and a violation of human rights, urging intensified awareness campaigns to protect girls across communities.

To support outreach efforts, health educators were provided with identification materials, IEC resources and reporting tools to enhance field operations, while the Board reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with stakeholders and community leaders to achieve the total elimination of FGM in Oyo State.