•Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
With nearly 20 million Nigerian women and girls already subjected to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) – most before their sixth birthday – UNICEF has issued a strong warning that Nigeria risks a dangerous surge in the brutal and illegal practice.
Raising the alarm yesterday, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also stressed the need for urgent and coordinated action to dismantle the myths and traditions sustaining the practice – particularly in the South-West, reports Daily Independent.
The Children Agency expressed this concern at a two-day media dialogue to support advocacy to end Female Genital Mutilation, which is ongoing at Vichi Gates Hotel and Suites, Benin City, the Edo State capital.
Participants during a two-day media dialogue to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) organised by Oyo State government at Vichi Gates Hotel and Suites, Benin City, the Edo State capital with the support of UNICEF.
The programme, which focuses on ‘’Accelerating Actions to Eliminate Harmful Practices against Women and Girls”, draws journalists, civil society organisations and other participants from Oyo, Osun, Ondo, Ekiti, Ogun, and Edo States.
The Oyo State government is the implementing partner of the project which is supported by UNICEF.
Despite being outlawed, Nigeria remains the third highest globally for FGM prevalence. This appalling statistic reflects a deep-rooted crisis that continues to rob girls of their dignity, health and future.
Speaking at a two-day media dialogue on FGM advocacy, Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of UNICEF’s Lagos Field Office, condemned the practice as “a grave violation of the rights of women and girls,” insisting that no cultural or religious justification should ever override their wellbeing.
“Most of these girls were cut before their sixth birthday, when they were powerless to resist or understand what was happening,” she said.
“This practice continues, fuelled by myths and traditions, despite being outlawed.”
Lafoucriere stressed that FGM can be eliminated within a generation – but only if governments, communities, religious leaders, men and the media commit fully to change.
Dennis Onoise, UNICEF’s Child Protection Specialist, warned that Nigeria could face a 50 percent increase in FGM cases unless interventions are rapidly scaled up.
He dismissed cultural defences of the practice, stating that FGM has no medical or moral benefit.
“It does not prevent promiscuity, as many believe. Instead, it causes life-threatening complications such as severe bleeding, infections, urinary incontinence and long-term reproductive health problems,” he said.
Mrs. Aderonke Olutayo, FGM consultant condemned the lack of male involvement in advocacy, despite men often being the final decision-makers in families. “Without the support of men, advocacy will remain incomplete. We need to dismantle myths, not just among women but also among men who perpetuate this tradition,” she said.
Participants – including journalists, civil society groups and government officials – emphasised the media’s critical role in shifting public opinion.
Rotimi Babalola, Permanent Secretary of the Oyo State Ministry of Information, urged reporters to go beyond surface-level coverage.
“The media must expose cutters, medical collaborators and those who aid the practice. At the same time, journalists should amplify survivors’ voices and educate communities,” he said.
The dialogue tasked the participants on renewed strategies for advocacy, including survivor-led campaigns, community sensitisation and robust cross-sector collaboration to accelerate the eradication of FGM in Nigeria.
