In continuation of efforts to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), Gender-Based Violence (GBV) and Violence Against Children (VAC), the Oyo State Government has joined forces with UNICEF and Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria to roll out new interventions aimed at protecting women and children, while empowering former practitioners of harmful traditional practices through vocational training.
The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs. Toyin Balogun, disclosed this during a one-day law and policy advocacy engagement with law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, judiciary officials, and other stakeholders, held at the Ministry’s Conference Hall, Secretariat, Ibadan.
The programme focused on strengthening the operationalization of designated courts to fast-track cases and enhance survivor-centered legal aid and support services.
Mrs. Balogun explained that part of the interventions include providing vocational training and sustainable empowerment packages for traditional circumcisers, popularly known as Olola, to discourage them from trading in the harmful practice.
“We cannot build something on nothing. Many of these practitioners inherited the act from their parents and have relied on it for livelihood. Without sustainable alternatives, they may be tempted to return. That is why empowerment after training is crucial,” she said.
She further stressed that the meeting was aimed at strengthening the justice system, improving case handling, and ensuring that resources remain survivor-focused.
“This is a deliberate step towards protecting the most vulnerable in our society, especially women and girls. Survivors face stigma, delays in justice, and inadequate support systems. We must change that,” she noted.
The Commissioner reaffirmed Governor Seyi Makinde’s commitment to building stronger institutional frameworks to ensure timely access to justice.
According to her, “we are here to reaffirm a survivor-centered approach—one that places the needs, voices, and rights of survivors at the heart of legal aid and support services. By working hand in hand with law enforcement, prosecutors, and the judiciary, we can create a justice system that is both compassionate and efficient.”
Giving an overview of on FGM situation in Ouo State, UNICEF Child Protection Specialist, Mr. Denis Onoise, stressed that no child in the State should be subjected to FGM, describing it as gender-based violence rooted in harmful cultural norms.
He urged law enforcement agents, including the Police and NSCDC, to fully enforce the Oyo State Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law.
“We don’t want any child to be cut. The law is clear: nobody should be cut. If anyone continues this practice, the VAPP Law must take its course. Together, we must end FGM by 2030,” he said.
In a presentation,the Executive Director of Trailblazer Initiative Nigeria, Dr. Dare Olagoke Adaramoye, explained that the programme was designed to strengthen the prosecution of cases, enhance survivor-centered legal aid, and improve support services for survivors and girls at risk.
In their separate messages, representatives of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Ministry of Justice, National Human Rights Commission, Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, National Youth Council, and other critical stakeholders unanimously declared FGM, GBV and VAC as crimes against humanity and the state.
They emphasised on the need for continuous awareness, sensitization, and stronger community engagement to ensure survivors are protected and offenders are prosecuted.
Other participants at the Law and Policy Advocacy event,agreed that FGM, GBV, and VAC are collective battles that must be forth by all, saying protecting the girl child and women is a duty that every stakeholder owes the society.
Among Media Executives at the 1 – Day Advocacy meeting was General Manager, Pensioners’ FM, Dr. Babatunde Tiamiyu.
