…as NIGAWD, UN Record Breakthrough in FGM Elimination Efforts
By Udesinanna Stephen
In a historic move,some traditional rulers in Irepodun/ Ifelodun Local Government Area of Ekiti State have collectively declared support for the global move to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), in Ekiti State.
The declaration was made in Igede-Ekiti, Ekiti state, during a capacity building programme organized by The New Generation Girls and Women Development Initiative (NIGAWD) in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Making the declaration, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adeola Ajakaiye, the Oluyin of Iyin-Ekiti, said, “On this day, November 7, 2024, on behalf of Iyin Kingdom, I hereby publicly declare that Female Genital Mutilation has ceased to be a culture for the people of Iyin-Ekiti. We appreciate the UN and NIGAWD for their support in achieving this. So help us, God.”
Also, His Royal Majesty Oba James Aladesuru, Onigede of Igede-Ekiti, declared, “Affirmations of public declaration on this day, November 7, 2024. We publicly declare that FGM has ceased to be a culture, and we appreciate the UN and NIGAWD for their support in achieving this great feat.”
Other Traditional Rulers who made the same declaration included Rulers from Awo-Ekiti, Iropora-Ekiti, Are-Ekiti, and Eyio-Ekiti. The program brought together community leaders, traditional rulers, and stakeholders to discuss the cultural and social factors driving FGM, pledging to support the abolition of FGM and promote alternative rites of passage for young girls.
Addressing the gathering, the Executive Director of NIGAWD, Mrs. Abimbola Aladejare-Salako, emphasized that the declaration is a pivotal moment that serves to protect the rights and dignity of women and girls in the state, adding that FGM is a harmful practice that has no health benefits and only serves to perpetuate violence against women.
The UNFPA Representative, Mrs. Uzoma Ayodeji, a Gender Analyst, noted that the community collaboration serves as a strong message that FGM is a violation of human rights and has no cultural justification.