30th May, 2025
Residents of Ira community in Oyun Local Government Area of Kwara State have declared their total support for the campaign to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), pledging to act as agents of change against the harmful practice.
This commitment was made during a town hall meeting on Zero Tolerance for FGM held at Ira Town Hall on 28th May 2025. The event was organised by the Kwara State Ministry of Social Development in collaboration with Global Hope for Women and Children Foundation (GLOHWOC) with support from UNICEF.
Speaking at the gathering, the Director of Social Development, Mr James Kayode, who represented the State Commissioner, reaffirmed the government’s stance against the harmful practice. “FGM causes untold physical, psychological, and emotional trauma. It is a harmful tradition that must be totally abolished—not only in Kwara State but across the country,” he said.
Dr Christy Abayomi-Oluwole, the CEO of GLOHWOC, gave a detailed presentation on the various forms of FGM—such as clitoridectomy, excision, and infibulation—and their dangerous consequences. “These practices put girls and women at risk of serious infections, painful menstrual cycles, and psychological damage. Some victims also experience loss of sexual function, which can strain marriages and affect family stability,” she explained.
Dr Abayomi-Oluwole also dismissed common myths about FGM, stressing that it is not a religious obligation. “There is no religious basis for FGM, whether in Islam or Christianity. It is a cultural belief that has no benefits and only brings suffering,” she said.
Former State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mr Olusegun Adeyemi, called on men and boys to play a more active role in ending the practice. “As fathers, husbands, and community leaders, men have a critical role to play in protecting our daughters and wives from harmful traditions,” he stated.
Participants, including many men and youths, signed commitment forms at the meeting, pledging to champion the campaign against FGM in their communities.
Also present were religious leaders from both the Christian and Islamic faiths, who jointly confirmed that FGM is not backed by any religious teaching.
An appeal was made to those still involved in the act to desist or risk facing the full wrath of the law. According to the Child Rights Law and the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law, offenders face up to four years imprisonment or a N200,000 fine—or both, depending on the judge’s decision.
The Onira of Iraland, Oba Abdulwahab Oyewale Oyetoro, praised the state government, GLOHWOC, and UNICEF for prioritising the welfare of women and children. He acknowledged that the practice is becoming rare among Ira indigenes but promised to intensify awareness campaigns across the community and the wider Oyun LGA.
“We must protect the dignity and future of our girls,” the monarch declared.
