Asa Local Government Area of Kwara State has reaffirmed its commitment to ending Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), pledging to prioritize the protection of the girl child and women from harmful socio-cultural practices.
This commitment was declared by the Executive Chairman of Asa LGA, Alhaji Shehu Yahaya Amosa represented by Supervisory Councillor for Health Honourable Elere Mohammed, during an Advocacy Dialogue on Ending FGM held at the Council’s Hall at the Secretariat, Afon.
The event held on the 9th February, 2026 was organized by Save the Future of Children Initiative (SAFIN) and Olive Community Development Initiative (OCDI).
The event was held to commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, under the theme: “Towards 2030: No End to FGM Without Sustained Commitment and Investment.”
While delivering his presentation, Mr. Oyedeji Olufemi, Chief Executive Officer of Save the Future of Children Initiative, disclosed that Kwara State remains one of the 10 top states with high prevalence of FGM in Nigeria.
He acknowledged the efforts of the Kwara State Government, particularly the development of the State Action Plan (2024–2027) following the enactment of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition (VAPP) Law in 2020.
However, he emphasized that low financing for anti-FGM campaigns has resulted in poor policy implementation and weak enforcement of the VAPP Law.
Mr. Oyedeji described FGM as a gross violation of the rights of women and girls, noting that it strips victims of their dignity and exposes them to serious health risks, including HIV/AIDS, sexually transmitted infections, and long-term sexual and psychological harm.
He further warned that under the Kwara State VAPP Law, perpetrators of FGM are liable to a minimum of four years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦200,000, or both.
Anyone who obstructs investigation or enforcement faces up to two years’ imprisonment or a fine of ₦200,000, or both.
In her remarks, the Chief Executive Officer of Olive Community Development Initiative, Ms. Toni Adeleke, represented by Miss Blessing Akanbi, Programme Manager at OCDI, called on Asa Local Government to develop an LGA-specific action plan and provide budgetary allocation to sustain anti-FGM campaigns.
She stressed that achieving the elimination of FGM by 2030, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 5, requires strong grassroots governance, political will, and active community participation.
At the end of the dialogue, Asa LGA officials, traditional and community leaders, and other stakeholders collectively resolved to work together to eradicate FGM, citing its harmful effects on the health, dignity, and overall well-being of girls and women.
The local government further pledged to develop and implement a local action plan, allocate funds for anti-FGM initiatives, and intensify community sensitization efforts to ensure the abandonment of the practice.
The advocacy dialogue concluded with the presentation of a copy of the Kwara State Violence Against Persons Prohibition, (VAPP) Law to the Speaker Asa Legislative Council Honourable Bello Muideen Opeyemi represented by Chairman Legislative Council Committee on Health Honourable Honourable Akeem Amao.
The speaker promised that the legislative council will look at the VAPP Law and ensure Asa has a bylaw to prohibit violence in Asa LGA and end FGM.
The council also promised to produce and air jingles on radio to sensitize the locals on ending FGM and other harmful cultural practices in the LGA.
