The Kwara government on Monday held a sensitisation walk to create awareness against female genital mutilation (FGM) to reduce the prevalence in the state.

The Commissioner for Social Development, Mariam Nnafatima-Imam, said the essence of the road walk was to sensitise the public and to declare zero tolerance for FGM.

Ms Nnafatima-Imam said the walk was in commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, held annually on February 6.

“We are making all moves to end FGM, and so far so good. Out of all the 16 local government areas, we have covered over 10 local governments in sensitisation.

”We have been in contact with traditional rulers, major stakeholders, and the general public,” she said.

”As of 2016, a report came up saying that Kwara is one of the states that has the highest prevalence, so this year, we want to have an improvement on that,” Ms Nnafatima-Imam said.

She added that the ministry was working with the Ministry of Justice, NGOs, and schools.

”What we have done so far is that we don’t only sensitise the public; we hold workshops with the Ministry of Justice to make sure that people in the justice line are able to take action when they see cases like this.

”We have been able to choose champions who would lead the campaign against FGM at various schools.

”We have also been able to do a lot aside from just sensitising or doing a road walk. We are putting things into place to ensure that the system works,” the commissioner said.

The walk is supported by UNICEF, in collaboration with NGOs such as Global Hope for Women and Children (GLOWHOC).

(NAN)