Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Tamunominini Makinde, says Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) has reduced by 50 per cent in the last one and half years in the state.
Makinde made this known on Thursday at the commemoration of the International Day for Zero Tolerance for FGM in Ibadan.
The theme for the Day was: “Partnership with Men & Boys to Transform Social and Gender Norms to End Female Genital Mutilation.”
According to her, our fight against FGM practice in Oyo State had declined to 33.1 per cent from its initial 63.6 per cent it recorded before, which is about 50 per cent.
“There was a noticeable decline in the Female Genital Mutilation in Oyo State, which has negative effects and causes more harm than good on our women.
“I want us to tow the path of a grandfather, father and grandmother that shielded their granddaughter from being circumcised, that is the role I want everyone of us to play.
“We are doing everything possible to educate our boys and men that their job is a protective one,” the Governor’s wife said.
She assured them that the state government would intensify efforts to create awareness and educate people on the harmful effects of FGM and what was expected to be done to end it.
Makinde urged stakeholders to join hands as suggested by this year’s theme with a view to eliminate the scourge in the state by 2030 as targeted by the United Nations.
“We need to educate our men to make informed decision as their voices and actions can change social norms, which will allow our girls and women to enjoy their fundamental human rights, health, education and equality,” she said.
Makinde urged traditional rulers in the state, artisans and students to help in eradicating the scourge in the state and encourage women not to relent in the fight against FGM in the state.
In her remarks, Mrs Balikis Olawoyin, called on parents to train their girl-child in the way of the Lord.
Olawoyin urged parents to avoid making statements that could instill fear into the girl- child and make them subject of ridicule to themselves.