Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has condemned Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as a severe human rights violation with no health benefits, pledging that her husband’s administration will take decisive action to eradicate the practice. In a statement marking the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, she emphasized the urgency of addressing the issue, citing the devastating impact it has on millions of women and girls across the country.
Mrs. Tinubu highlighted alarming international projections, revealing that approximately 34 million Nigerian women and girls could be at risk of FGM by 2030 if urgent measures are not implemented. She referenced a report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), which states that Nigeria has the highest absolute number of FGM cases worldwide. This staggering statistic underscores the need for immediate intervention to protect future generations from the harmful consequences of the practice.
Reaffirming her commitment to ending FGM, the First Lady called for collaborative efforts between government agencies, civil society, and traditional and religious leaders to eliminate the practice. She urged for stricter enforcement of anti-FGM laws, increased public awareness campaigns, and support for survivors. Mrs. Tinubu concluded by assuring Nigerians that her husband’s administration would prioritise policies that safeguard the rights and well-being of women and girls across the country.
