Kwara Gov’s wife, Monarchs, CSOs kick against Female Genital Mutilation in Kwara
By Mahmood Olayinka Alaya
The wife of the Kwara State Governor, Mrs. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, has reaffirmed the state’s commitment to the total eradication of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) across all 16 Local Government Areas of the state.
Mrs. AbdulRazaq made this known on Monday during the 2025 Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Stakeholders’ Engagement Forum, held at the Stella Obasanjo Multipurpose Hall in Ilorin, the state capital.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Special Duties, Doctor Ina Fatimoh, the First Lady described FGM as a grave violation of the rights and dignity of girls and women, noting that it compromises health, endangers futures, and hinders societal progress.
She commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, CON, for prioritizing the protection of women and children and for maintaining a zero-tolerance stance toward all forms of gender-based violence.
She also praised the Ministry of Women Affairs for organizing the forum and emphasized that awareness must lead to action.
She called on stakeholders, including traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil society organizations, and the broader community to unite in creating safe environments where girls can thrive without fear.
In her opening remarks, the Kwara State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Afolashade Oluwakemi Opeyemi, reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to promoting gender equality, protecting the rights of women and children, and supporting vulnerable groups across the state.
Mrs. Opeyemi urged all participants to become ambassadors for change, raise their voices against FGM, and help protect the next generation from its pain and injustice.
She emphasized the importance of collective action, expressing optimism that through unity and determination, Kwara State can become a place where every girl is safe, every woman empowered, and every citizen lives with dignity.
The Emir of Ilorin and Chairman of the Kwara State Traditional Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu Gambari, described the event as a vital platform to discuss issues affecting women and children.
He commended the state government for organizing such a significant program and pledged the support of the traditional institution in spreading the message to all corners of the state.
The Emir represented by the Balogun Alanamu of Ilorin, Alhaji Abubakar Jos, also appreciated the Ministry of Women Affairs for acknowledging his contributions to the development of women and children in Kwara.
Similarly, the Olojoku of Ojoku Land, Oba AbdulRazaq Afolabi Adegboyega, described the initiative as timely and necessary.
He also pledged continued support from his traditional stool.
In a keynote lecture, the Kwara State focal person for the National Coalition of Civil Society to End Child Marriage in Nigeria, Mr. Oyedeji Olufemi, recognized the efforts of the state government in addressing rape and other gender-based issues.
He called for increased support from traditional rulers and other stakeholders in the fight against Sexual and Gender-Based Violence (SGBV) and FGM.
According to him, many women have lost their lives during childbirth due to the complications of gender-based violence, including FGM.
In her goodwill message, civil society member Anthonia Oshiniwe commended the Ministry of Women Affairs and Mrs. Olufolake AbdulRazaq for their continued support of women and children in the state.
The Emir of Ilorin, later joined other traditional rulers and participants from the three senatorial districts in displaying placards and sashes recognizing them as “Champions Against FGM.”
Top government officials at the event included the Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Hajia Saadatu Moddibo Kawu; Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Afeez Abolore; a representative of the Commissioner of Police; a representative of the Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Kwara; CEO of Olive Community Development Initiative, Toni Adeleke; and various Permanent Secretaries.
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