Ekiti State First Lady, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has called on political, traditional and religious leaders, as well as advocacy groups, to strengthen efforts to end female genital mutilation (FGM) and safeguard the future of female children in the state.
She made the appeal in Ado Ekiti on Thursday during an engagement with journalists to commemorate the 2026 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation.
The 2026 theme, “2030: No end to FGM without sustained commitment and investment,” underscores the need for renewed action to eliminate the harmful practice.
Although February 6 is the official date for the global observance, various bodies and agencies organised activities to raise awareness and reinforce advocacy against FGM.
Ekiti State is ranked among the states with the highest prevalence of FGM in Nigeria and currently leads in the South-West region.
Dr. Oyebanji noted that the theme of this year’s commemoration highlights the inadequacy of previous efforts and calls for stronger, collective action.
“We must feel a collective need so deep that it compels us to act differently,” she said. “Our laws against FGM must move from paper to practice. Our cultural dialogues must move from tacit acceptance to courageous condemnation. Our pulpits and palaces must echo with a unified message of protection.”
The First Lady reaffirmed her commitment to the fight against FGM through her office, her non-governmental organisation — Widows, Aged, Orphans Hope Support Foundation — and her role as an educator.
“This is our turning point. The sustained commitment and investment must start now, with every resource we have,” she said.
She added that the Gender Unit under her office would remain proactive in ensuring justice for victims.
“It will continue to be a fortress of justice, ensuring no case goes unreported, no perpetrator escapes prosecution under our domesticated laws, and every survivor receives not just legal aid, but compassionate support,” she said.
Ekiti State has established legal frameworks prohibiting FGM, including the Ekiti State Gender-Based Violence (Prohibition) Law, 2019, which prescribes strict penalties for offenders and enablers.
Dr. Oyebanji commended the state government for its efforts in reducing the prevalence of FGM and urged law enforcement agencies to ensure strict prosecution of offenders as a deterrent.
She also announced plans to intensify advocacy campaigns in schools and other institutions, noting that the fight against FGM aligns with Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s Human Capital Development agenda, which prioritises the wellbeing and dignity of citizens.
In her remarks, the representative of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), Mrs. Abimbola Aladejare-Salako, said resistance to ending FGM still exists in some communities despite sustained awareness campaigns.
She disclosed that over 100 communities in the state have publicly declared a total ban on FGM through a community-led initiative adopted by the government.
According to her, while the majority of communities have embraced the initiative, about 10 per cent remain reluctant.
Aladejare-Salako emphasised that the Ekiti State House of Assembly has enacted a law against FGM and insisted that perpetrators must face the full weight of the law.
She pledged the continued commitment of CSOs to work with stakeholders across the state to eliminate the practice.
The event was attended by key government officials, including the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Peju Babafemi; the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, represented by Mrs. Sola Gbenga-Igotun; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Olusola Adeluyi-Femi; and other stakeholders.
