In a strategic move to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) and strengthen child protection in Oyo State, Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria (TBI) has collaborated with the Oyo State Command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).
Speaking during the advocacy meeting, held at the NSCDC State Headquarters in Ibadan, which focused on deepening inter-agency collaboration to enhance prevention, reporting, and prosecution of FGM cases.
Executive Director of Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria, Dr. Dare Olagoke-Adaramoye underscored the need for visible arrests and prosecution of offenders to send a clear deterrent message.
He stressed that weak enforcement remains a major barrier and called for stronger whistleblower protection, grassroots surveillance, and clear referral pathways linking communities to NSCDC units.
Adaramoye highlighted anti-FGM interventions since 2022, which was supported by United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria, which include; “Operationalizing the Oyo State VAPP Law by raising public awareness on the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act.”
“Training hundreds of Gender Champions to lead advocacy in schools, communities, and online and sensitization campaigns through town halls, door-to-door outreach, and dialogues with leaders,” he said.
Also, survivor support services, including psychosocial care and economic empowerment through Village Savings and Loan Associations (VSLAs).
Mobilizing over 1.8 million Oyo residents to join the national movement for Good to End FGM in Nigeria, Dr. added.
In his response, the State Commandant, Augustine Padonu, represented by the Head of the Anti-Human Trafficking, Irregular Migration, and Child Protection Unit, Deputy Commandant of Corps (DCC) Sunday Adeliyi, suggested integrating FGM education into antenatal care programs so expectant mothers receive awareness before childbirth.
Augustine stressed the urgent need for sustained behavioural change and urged targeted advocacy in rural and hard-to-reach communities where FGM prevalence remains highest.
This alliance between civil society and security forces marks a major step toward closing the gap between legislation and action, aiming to protect every girl in Oyo State from the harmful practice of FGM.
