Kogi First Lady Calls for Joint Action Against Female Genital Mutilation

Kogi First Lady Calls for Joint Action Against Female Genital Mutilation

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Wife of the Kogi State Governor, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has joined the global call to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), urging collective efforts to end the harmful practice.

In a message to mark the 2025 International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, Mrs. Ododo emphasized the urgent need to protect girls and women from the life-threatening consequences of FGM.

She described the practice as a violation of human rights that has devastated the lives and future of millions of women and girls.

“According to UNICEF, over 200 million girls and women worldwide have survived FGM, with more than 25 million others at risk of undergoing the practice in the next five years. This is alarming, especially considering the relentless efforts to eradicate it, particularly in Africa,” she stated.

The First Lady called for increased government intervention and support for survivors in Kogi State, stressing the need for collaborative action across all sectors to combat the menace.

She reassured citizens that her office would continue to partner with relevant organizations to strengthen efforts in eliminating FGM and providing necessary support for affected individuals.