By Oluwagbemiga ‘Toye
The Wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has appealed to political, traditional and religious leaders, as well as advocacy groups, to intensify efforts toward securing the future of the female child by protecting them from Female Genital Mutilation (FGM).
Dr. Oyebanji made the call on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti during an engagement with journalists on 2026 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, with the theme: “2030: No End to Female Genital Mutilation Without Sustained Commitment and Investment.”
Speaking at the event, the First Lady acknowledged that although several well-intentioned interventions have been implemented over the years, the practice has not been totally eradicated in the state, stressing that more collective action is required to safeguard Ekiti girls.
She reassured residents that the Ekiti State Government remains fully committed to eliminating FGM, pledging the continued support of her office and initiatives toward achieving zero tolerance.
“I recommit the full force of my office and initiatives to this singular, vital mission of eradicating FGM from Ekiti State. This remains our paramount focus,” she said.
Dr. Oyebanji noted that her Widows, Aged, Orphans and Hope Support Foundation (WAOH) would continue to engage communities through empowerment programmes, rescue missions and education, particularly in vulnerable areas.
She added that the Gender Unit under her office would remain “a fortress of justice,” ensuring that no case goes unreported, no offender escapes prosecution under the state’s domesticated laws, and that survivors receive both legal and psychosocial support.
The First Lady also disclosed that advocacy campaigns would be intensified in schools and 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.
Dr. Oyebanji commended the state government’s efforts in reducing the prevalence of FGM from 72 per cent to 48 percent, while calling on law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators are prosecuted to serve as a deterrent.
Explaining why the practice remains prevalent in some areas, Dr Olayemi said many people still view FGM as a cultural practice rather than recognising its harmful effects.
Also speaking, the Civil Society Organisation (CSO) representative, Mrs. Abimbola Aladejare-Salako, said despite sustained community-level campaigns, resistance persists in some quarters. She disclosed that the state has adopted a Community-Led Approach, through which over one hundred communities have publicly declared a total ban on FGM, noting that while the majority have embraced the initiative, about 10 per cent still remain reluctant.
Mrs. Aladejare-Salako affirmed that in 2002 Ekiti State House of Assembly enacted Law on Female Genital Mutilation, saying perpetrators should be made to face the full weight of law. She stressed that civil society groups would continue working with stakeholders in Ekiti state to end the practice.
The event was attended by key government officials, including the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Pastor Peju Babafemi; the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, who was represented by Mrs. Sola Gbenga-Igotun; the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs, Mrs. Olusola Adeluyi-Femi; and other stakeholders