In a strong call to action, the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum (NGSF) has pledged to intensify efforts to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) across the country, describing it as a severe violation of human rights and a major public health threat.
The Chairperson of the Forum, Olufolake AbdulRazaq, wife of the Kwara State Governor, made the announcement on Friday to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM. She highlighted that thousands of girls and women in Nigeria, including in Kwara, continue to live with the lifelong physical, emotional, and psychological effects of the practice.
“FGM is not a cultural tradition, it is violence against girls that limits their health, education, and future opportunities. Ending this practice will reduce maternal and newborn complications and empower girls and women to reach their full potential”, AbdulRazaq said.
She called on governments, traditional and religious leaders, parents, educators, health professionals, and community stakeholders to move beyond awareness campaigns and take decisive, accountable action. under the campaign hashtag #Invest2EndFGM.
“Communities that protect their girls build stronger families, healthier societies, and more resilient futures”, she added, urging collective resolve to make Nigeria the generation that ends FGM.
The Forum is advocating for stronger law enforcement, survivor-centred health and legal support, sustainable funding for prevention programs, and community-led behaviour-change initiatives.
