Mirian Gom 
KWARA, Nigeria – The Kwara State Government intensifies efforts to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), calling for coordinated action across sectors as it reviews a new 2026–2030 plan.
Speaking in Ilorin at a stakeholders’ review meeting on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Opeyemi Oluwakemi Afolashade, says the government alone cannot end the practice. Represented by a senior official, she stresses that success depends on traditional rulers, faith leaders, civil society groups, law enforcement agencies and community members working together.
Afolashade notes that the administration strengthens enforcement of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act and the Child Rights Law, while expanding advocacy to traditional institutions across the state’s three senatorial districts. She adds that the government appoints community champions against FGM and secures formal pledges to reinforce accountability.
Public health officials warn that poor data hampers progress. They urge a statewide survey to identify practitioners and track cases across all local councils to guide targeted interventions. Human rights advocates confirm intensified sensitisation in schools and rural communities, alongside engagement with market leaders and faith-based organisations.
“We must also help practitioners transition into alternative livelihoods,” a justice ministry official says, “so the girl-child is no longer harmed for survival.”
FGM, commonly performed on girls under 15, violates fundamental human rights to health, safety and dignity. Kwara plans an FGM Convention to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance, aiming to galvanise wider public commitment.
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Korede Abdullah 
Koko Maxwella