Ekiti State First Lady Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji urges political, traditional, and religious leaders to intensify efforts to end female genital mutilation in Ado Ekiti

Ekiti State’s First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has made a passionate appeal to political, traditional, and religious leaders, as well as advocacy groups, to step up efforts to protect female children from female genital mutilation (FGM).

Speaking in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, she marked the 2026 International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, which carried the theme: “2030: No end to FGM without sustained commitment and investment.”

The event, which brought journalists together for the awareness campaign, highlighted the continued urgency of ending FGM in Nigeria, especially in states like Ekiti, which has one of the highest prevalence rates in the country and leads the Southwest region in cases.

Laws Are in Place, But Action Is Needed

Ekiti State has established a strong legal framework against FGM.

The Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law, 2019, imposes strict penalties on anyone found practicing or enabling FGM.

Despite this, the First Lady stressed that legislation alone is not enough.

“We must feel a collective need so deep that it compels us to act differently,” Dr. Oyebanji said.

“Our laws against FGM must move from paper to practice, our cultural dialogues must move from tacit acceptance to courageous condemnation.

Our pulpits and palaces must echo with a unified message of protection.”

A Turning Point in Advocacy

Dr. Oyebanji, through her Widows, Aged, Orphans Hope Support Foundation, expressed renewed commitment to the fight against FGM.

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She also emphasized her role as an educator, saying, “This is our turning point.

The sustained commitment and investment must start now, with every resource we have.”

She highlighted the role of the Gender Unit under her office as a “fortress of justice,” pledging that no case will go unreported, no perpetrator will escape prosecution, and every survivor will receive legal aid and compassionate support.

Community Engagement and Institutional Support

Advocacy campaigns are being expanded in schools and institutions, aligning with Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s Human Capital Development agenda, which prioritizes citizens’ wellbeing and dignity.

The First Lady commended the state government’s success in reducing FGM prevalence and urged law enforcement agencies to prosecute offenders decisively to deter future cases.

Mrs. Abimbola Aladejar

e-Salako, representing Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), acknowledged that resistance to ending FGM persists in some communities, despite widespread acceptance. She revealed that over 100 communities had publicly declared a total ban on FGM, though around 10 per cent remained reluctant.

CSOs have pledged to continue collaborating with stakeholders to end the practice across the state.

Key Officials Attend Awareness Event

The event saw the presence of top state officials, including Mrs. Peju Babafemi, Commissioner for Women Affairs; Dr. Oyebanji Filani, Commissioner for Health, represented by Mrs. Sola Gbenga-Igotun; and Mrs. Olusola Adeluyi-Femi, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs.

Their participation underscored the government’s support and commitment to eliminating FGM.

What’s Next?

Efforts in Ekiti State are set to intensify, with more school- and community-based advocacy programs planned.

Stakeholders aim to achieve universal compliance with the state law on FGM and build a culture of zero tolerance.

Strengthened monitoring, prosecution of perpetrators, and continued public awareness campaigns are expected to ensure the practice is eradicated over the coming years.

Summary

Ekiti State First Lady Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji has called on leaders and advocacy groups to intensify the fight against FGM, marking the 2026 International Day of Zero Tolerance for the practice.

Despite strong laws under the 2019 Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law, enforcement and cultural change remain crucial.

Over 100 communities have declared bans, while advocacy campaigns continue in schools and institutions.

The First Lady pledged renewed commitment to protect female children, support survivors, and hold perpetrators accountable, aligning the fight against FGM with the state’s Human Capital Development agenda.