In a major push to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Oyo State, more than 200 traditional leaders have joined a powerful advocacy campaign to end the harmful practice.
The transformative one-day engagement was led by Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria (TBI) in collaboration with UNICEF and the Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion.
The Executive Director of TBI, Dr. Dare Olagoke-Adaramoye, disclosed this during the advocacy meeting held with community leaders or gatekeepers including traditional rulers, religious leaders, women leaders, and youth representatives from Ido, Oluyole, Olorunsogo, and Saki East Local Government Areas.
According to Dr. Olagoke-Adaramoye, the initiative, which is part of the UNICEF-supported #Act2EndFGM project, was designed to equip cultural and religious influencers with the tools to drive grassroots change. The meeting focused on raising awareness about the devastating health risks, psychological trauma, and legal implications of FGM under the Oyo State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.
He described the public denouncement of FGM by over 200 leaders as a landmark moment for the state, which, according to the 2021 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), still has one of the highest FGM prevalence rates in Nigeria, 43.2% among women aged 15–49 and 21.1% among girls under 14.
One of the key highlights of the event was the launch of the “Community Champions Against FGM” network, an alliance of local influencers tasked with monitoring, reporting, and supporting anti-FGM activities in their respective communities. Youth and women leaders across the four LGAs also developed localized action plans to engage households, youth groups, and religious platforms in sustained awareness efforts.
Dr. Olagoke-Adaramoye noted: “When Kings, Chiefs, Imams, Pastors, and Market Women say ‘enough is enough,’ the community listens. These declarations are more than symbolic, they signal a shift in ownership and leadership in ending FGM from within the community.”
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Mojisola Omotoye, Programme Manager at Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria, explained that the newly inaugurated champions will serve as grassroots watchdogs and peer educators. She reaffirmed TBI’s commitment to providing continuous mentorship, regular follow-ups, and collaboration with law enforcement and healthcare providers to ensure compliance and survivor support.
In strong showings of support, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Engr.) Bashir Olalekan Abioye (Siyanbola IV), the Onigbeti of Igbeti Land, pledged full support and called for the mobilization of traditional institutions against FGM.
Similarly, in Ido and Oluyole LGAs, the Chief Imam of Pegba and Pastor Obidogun Emmanuel Olu also committed to the cause, stating that “religion does not justify FGM,” and urged their followers to abandon the practice.
In a deeply moving moment, Chief Mrs. Oladipupo, the Otun Iyalode of Olorunsogo, publicly recanted her previous support for the practice. “We can no longer pretend. It is time for us to change and I will lead that change,” she declared.
She further emphasized that the success of the initiative so far highlights the strength of Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria’s community-driven strategy and strong collaboration with key stakeholders.
The Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion and local Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) provided crucial support in mobilization, while UNICEF contributed technical resources and materials to drive the campaign forward.
