Mrs. Oluremi Tinubu, wife of the President, has urged parents and guardians nationwide to safeguard the rights and well-being of the girl child.
Emphasizing the theme “Her Voice, Her Future: Investing in Survivors Led Movements to End Female Genital Mutilation,” Tinubu highlighted the imperative role of parental responsibility in protecting every girl child in Nigeria.
Expressing concern over the hazards and health implications of FGM, Tinubu called upon mothers, traditional leaders, and community heads to recognize the irreversible harm inflicted upon daughters by this practice.
While acknowledging progress in combatting FGM, she stressed the need to confront persistent practices causing irreparable harm to girls.
The First lady commended non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society groups, and healthcare professionals for their advocacy in the fight against FGM nationwide. She also lauded the efforts of First Ladies of States and various stakeholders for amplifying the voice against this harmful practice.
Female genital mutilation, classified as a traditional harmful practice by the World Health Organization (WHO), affects millions of girls and women globally. With an estimated 200 million females having undergone FGM, and an additional 3 million at risk annually, the practice poses significant immediate and long-term health risks without any discernible benefits.
As Nigeria aims for the complete eradication of FGM by 2030, Oluremi Tinubu urged collective action and continued advocacy to eliminate this injustice against girls.
