Oyo Govt, UNICEF Push for Stronger Prosecution of FGM Cases
The Oyo State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has called for stronger prosecution of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) cases across Edo, Ekiti, Ondo, Osun, and Oyo States. The demand was made at a 3-day Multi-sectoral Engagement meeting in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, which brought together law enforcement officers, judicial actors, NGOs, agencies, and religious leaders. The forum focused on improving justice responses and promoting survivor-centered approaches in tackling FGM. Speaking on behalf of Oyo’s Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Permanent Secretary Rotimi Babalola described the engagement as “timely,” stressing that despite existing laws such as the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) and the Child Rights Law, the harmful practice persists. Babalola identified weak enforcement, low reporting, poor survivor protection, and fragmented inter-agency collaboration as major setbacks. He commended UNICEF for initiating the workshop, noting its […]
