The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has made a powerful call for collective action to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), aligning with global efforts to eradicate the harmful practice.
In her message marking the 2025 International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, Mrs. Ododo condemned the practice as a gross violation of human rights that continues to devastate the lives of millions of women and girls worldwide.
“FGM is a life-threatening practice that strips girls and women of their dignity and future,” she declared. “According to UNICEF, over 200 million girls and women globally have undergone FGM, with more than 25 million others at risk in the next five years. This is alarming, especially given the persistent efforts to eradicate it, particularly in Africa.”
The First Lady highlighted the urgent need for government intervention and community-driven initiatives to protect girls and support survivors in Kogi State.
She stressed that eliminating FGM requires collaborative efforts across health, education, legal, and community sectors.
Mrs. Ododo also reassured the public that her office remains committed to partnering with relevant organizations to strengthen advocacy, raise awareness, and provide support for survivors of FGM in the state.
“Together, we can end this harmful tradition and ensure a safer, healthier future for our daughters,” she concluded.
