The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has renewed its call for urgent collective action to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria, describing the practice as a grave violation of the rights, health, and dignity of women and girls.
Speaking at a two-day media dialogue organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation in collaboration with UNICEF in Benin, Edo State, the Chief of UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Celine Lafoucriere, revealed that more than 20 million Nigerian women and girls have undergone FGM, most before their sixth birthday.
“At that young age, they are completely powerless — unable to resist or even understand what is happening to them,” Lafoucriere said. She stressed that no culture or tradition should endanger the future of girls, urging the media to amplify survivors’ voices, challenge harmful norms, and inspire families to choose differently for their daughters.
“Despite the uproar in Nigeria, FGM persists in many communities through myths and traditions,” she added. “The good news is that change is possible. Millions of Nigerians have pledged to protect girls from being cut, survivors are leading the way, and young people are demanding a better future. The media must use its platforms to ensure every girl is free from FGM.”
Also speaking, UNICEF Communication Officer Blessing Ejiofor said the event was aimed at equipping the media with knowledge and tools to strengthen advocacy across states with the highest prevalence of FGM in southwest Nigeria.
UNICEF Child Protection Specialist Denis Onoise described the situation as alarming, noting that Nigeria ranks third globally in FGM prevalence and could see a 50% increase if urgent interventions are not scaled up. He added that myths linking FGM to chastity and sexual control continue to fuel its persistence.
FGM Consultant Aderonke Olutayo stressed the need to debunk these misconceptions, urging religious leaders, parents, and community influencers to champion the rights and wellbeing of women and girls.
On the role of the media, Rotimi Babalola, Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Information, emphasised: “The media is very critical because you set the agenda for society. We must put extra effort into this campaign so that, in all UNICEF-supported states, we totally eliminate FGM.” He urged journalists to report sensitively to avoid retraumatising survivors while still holding stakeholders accountable.
Nelson Akerele, Programme Manager of Balm in Gilead Foundation for Sustainable Development (BIGIF), outlined five ways the media could drive the campaign:
- Follow up on cases and hold duty bearers accountable.
- Use investigative journalism to expose cutters and complicit medical practitioners.
- Support survivors with hopeful, empowering narratives.
- Educate the public to dispel myths and misconceptions.
- Develop gender-sensitive stories that protect survivors from harm.
The dialogue brought together experts, advocates, and media practitioners to strengthen advocacy, mobilise resources, and push towards the total elimination of FGM across Nigeria.
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