Oluremi Tinubu, Nigeria’s First Lady, has labeled female genital mutilation (FGM) a violation of human rights and urged for its abolition.
Mrs. Tinubu reportedly bemoaned the fact that Nigeria has 20 million more women and girls who are victims of FGM than any other country in the world.
In a statement, Senator Tinubu stated that female genital mutilation should be prohibited because it has no health benefits, according to her spokesman, Busola Kukoyi.
The subject of the 2025 International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, Stepping Up the Pace: Strengthening Alliances and Building Movements to End FGM, reminded everyone of their shared responsibility to defend the rights and dignity of women and girls, according to the First Lady.
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In addition to being against human rights, female genital mutilation has no positive health effects. According to the UNFPA, Nigeria has the highest absolute number of female genital mutilation cases worldwide, with over 20 million women and girls having had the procedure. If precautions are not taken, an additional 14 million girls could be at risk of having the procedure by 2030.
There is still more work to be done, she noted, despite the fact that Nigeria has made great progress in ending FGM because to the cooperation of the government, UNFPA/UNICEF Joint Program, civil society, traditional institutions, and community leaders.
Mrs. Tinubu emphasized that violence against women is a problem that affects all people, not just women.
It’s important to keep in mind that violence against women affects all people, not just women. We are all impacted, and it undermines our common ideals of dignity and respect. Regardless of gender, we must acknowledge that everyone has the right to live without fear, prejudice, or violation.The topic for this year urges a renewed dedication, more robust collaborations, and sustained investment to eradicate this detrimental behavior.
She said, “By forming cross-sectoral alliances, empowering survivors, and making sure that women and youth take the lead, we will strengthen the movement against FGM together.”
First Lady Oluremi stated that President Bola Tinubu’s administration was still dedicated to putting an end to FGM.
“I will persist in advocating for the required assistance. Our greatest power is our voice as a group, and if we work together, we can eradicate FGM in Nigeria.
She went on, “Let’s keep working together, for our women, for our girls, and for a future free of female genital mutilation.”
