FGM:  UNICEF, NGO Partner  Ondo State Government To End Menace 

This collaborative initiative is part of a broader commitment to safeguard the health, rights, and dignity of girls and women in Nigeria. The joint effort brings together government agencies, civil society actors, traditional and religious leaders, women groups, men champions and youth group particularly adolescent girls build their agency, challenge harmful traditional practices and accelerate sustainable progress towards the abandonment of FGM.Denis Onoise – Child Protection Specialist at the UNICEF Lagos Field Office in his remark during the advocacy visit to the Ondo State Ministry of Women Affairs, appreciates the state government for its commitment to the welfare of children and women in particular.

The UNICEF representative emphasized the importance of collective action in combating FGM. “Ending FGM requires more than just laws—it demands community dialogue, empowerment, and sustained advocacy. We are here to support Ondo State in strengthening community-based mechanisms and empowering girls with the knowledge and confidence to say no to FGM,” said Denis, UNICEF Representative.

Dr. Oluwatumininu Adedeji, the Executive Director of Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development (BIGIF) said the intervention is a renewed effort to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and safeguard the rights and well-being of girls and women in the state.

According to her, despite a national decline in FGM prevalence, the practice persists in parts of Nigeria, including Ondo State. She said the partnership seeks to build on existing progress through sustained public engagement, policy advocacy, and inclusive programming that leaves no one behind and do no harms.

Dr. Oluwatumininu highlighted the central role of community mobilization and education. She said “Our approach focuses on engaging youth and women, adolescent girls, pregnant and lactating mothers – men,grandparents, and traditional, community and religious leaders, legislators, justice sector actors, health workers, and families to shift deeply rooted social norms that subordinate the practice of FGM.

We are seeing change happen where communities take ownership of this issue”. This initiative will include a comprehensive package of interventions such as public education campaigns, school-based outreach, youth engagement, capacity building for frontline health workers, and the establishment of community surveillance, response systems and survivor support services.

Dr. Oluwatumininu said the project will facilitate multi-stakeholder partnership which underscores a shared commitment to promoting the health, dignity, and human rights of every girl and woman in Ondo State.

She further stressed the need for every stakeholders in the state to collaborate and  While welcoming the team, the Special Adviser to the Ondo State Governor on Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Osamaye welcomed the UNICEF and BIGIF team lauding the choice of the state for such intervention which according to her is consistent with the governor’s seven pillars of administration “OUR EASE”.

She said the state focuses on Efficient Healthcare and Socioeconomic welfare and would continue to mobilise support toward the achievement of this and other agenda.

She further commended UNICEF and its partners for their unwavering support in protecting girls from harmful practices. “FGM is not only a grave violation of the rights of girls and women but also a threat to their health, wellbeing, and future. Ondo State is determined to end this harmful practice, and we are proud to work with partners who share this commitment,” the SA said.

Dr. Osamaye also said: “I want to assure you that our ministry is open to partnering with stakeholders toward the achievement of the development goals of the HE. Lucky Ayedatiwa administration”. The Special Adviser who described the ministry of women affairs as a bridge to the vulnerable population also told the team that the ministry is committed to the success of the project while promising to work collaboratively with BIGIF and other stakeholders.

The team calls on all stakeholders—government institutions, civil society, media, and community members—to join hands in this crucial fight to ensure that every girl in Ondo State grows up free from violence, empowered to thrive, and able to realize her full potential.

Also in attendance were the management team of the ministry including the Permanent Secretary – Mrs. Olukemi Odusola, Director Child, Director Women Affairs, Director Finance and other members of the UNICEF team.
Together, we can end FGM and I pledge to EndFGM!