Kajola local government area of Oyo State has officially declared an end to the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in the area.
The declaration was concluded through the adoption of the Kajola Accord on Ending FGM, developed, validated, and signed by representatives of all the critical stakeholders comprising WOWICAN, United Nations Women, and the Traditional Institution in Kajola local government.
The official declaration, led by His Royal Majesty Oba Rafiu Osuolale Adeitan II, the Onjo of Okeho who is the head of Traditional institution in the Council area united the eight towns of Kajola LGA.
The eight towns that formed Kajola LG include Okeho, Ilero, Imia, Ilua, Ayetoro-oke, Isemi ile, Iwere-oke, and Ilaji-oke.
Together, they pledged to not only end the practice of FGM but also enforce sanctions against perpetrators or anyone found attempting to revive such practice.
Although, reported data indicated that the practice of FGM was prevalent in Kajola LG area of Oyo state, interventions by development partners in recent years have helped reduce the practice significantly.
The Accord and public declaration, led by UN Women, has solidified the community’s commitment by establishing a locally owned framework that prohibits FGM, reinforces accountability, and aligns cultural values with human dignity with the adoption Kajola Accord on Ending FGM to guarantee the safety and protection of the girl-child.
The historic feat was actualized through the strategic collaboration of the Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, WOWICAN (Women Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria), and UN Women, with the support of the Ford Foundation.
The Oyo State commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, who was represented by Mr Ogujimi Diya, reiterated the state’s gender-inclusive policies, noting:
“Governor Makinde has demonstrated inclusivity and visionary leadership.
“We now have women occupying top positions that were never possible in the past.
“Our ministry will continue to collaborate with UN Women, WOWICAN, and other stakeholders to intensify advocacy, awareness, and enforcement of laws against FGM and gender-based violence.”
At the town hall sensitization in Okeho, the UN Women delegation, led by Mr. Nurudeen Ibrahim, emphasized:
“Community declarations must be upheld with strong enforcement.
“We have laws in place in Oyo State to prosecute offenders, and we are confident that with the cooperation of traditional and religious leaders, we will end FGM permanently.”
He also unveiled a community accord against FGM to guide Kajola and other towns in aligning with global standards for the eradication of FGM.
Earlier, Oba Adeitan II, the Onjo of Okeho, in his address, reaffirmed the royal stance saying: “FGM is no longer prevalent here. If anyone is found practicing it or aiding such practice, they will be arrested and duly prosecuted. This is our stand.
“While some stubborn individuals may still attempt it in secret, the culture has been rejected, and we will ensure its total eradication.”
He also praised the efforts of Governor Makinde, UN Women, and WOWICAN, assuring saying: “The community dialogue has empowered us in restating our commitment to preventing GBV and ending all forms of harmful traditional practices in our domains.
“This awareness is very important. We will carry the message to all eight towns that make up Okeho, to our markets, and to our people at every level.”
Her Eminence, Dr. Ayobami Akinadewo, National Chairperson of WOWICAN, strongly condemned FGM: “The practice must be stopped. It has no medical benefit but only inflicts pain, trauma, and long-term complications on our women and girls.
“What the monarch and council of Obas have done here today complements the ongoing advocacy and strengthens our collective resolve.”
Religious leaders across faiths echoed one voice: “We will take this message to our pulpits, our mosques, and our shrines. The dangers of FGM are real, and as faith leaders, we must protect our daughters and women.”
In his remarks, Mr. Ogunjimi Diya, Director, Oyo State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion said, “This government has zero tolerance for female genital mutilation, rape, and all forms of gender-based violence.
“We are committed to supporting initiatives like this and will continue to enforce the law without compromise.”
Mrs. Amaechi-Obi, Chairperson of WOWICAN Oyo State, reaffirmed the commitment of the Women wing of CAN in Oyo state and Nigeria to ensure that the girl-child and women are protected from all forms of traditional harmful practices and to permanently end female genital mutilation.
“This is more than an event. It is a collective voice against harmful practices, and we will continue to use media and advocacy to drive this message until FGM becomes history in Oyo State.”
“A Turning Point for Kajola
With this accord, the eight towns of Kajola Local Government have spoken in one voice: FGM is abolished, and violators will face consequences under law and custom.
“This declaration will set a new standard in Oyo State and show that harmful practices can end when cultural, religious, and government institutions unite for dignity and progress.”
