The speaker of the Lagos House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has called for collective action to end the harmful practice of female genital mutilation in Nigeria.

Ms Meranda made this appeal in a statement on Thursday to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation in Lagos.

FGM refers to all procedures that involve the partial or total removal of female external genitalia or any other injury to female genital organs for non-medical reasons.

It is most often performed on girls between infancy and age 15. In every form, FGM violates fundamental human rights, including health, security, and dignity.

Ms Meranda stated that she stands in solidarity with individuals and organisations worldwide in condemning this human rights violation affecting millions of girls and women.

“This year’s theme, #StepUpThePace, is a call to action. We must accelerate efforts to end this barbaric practice once and for all. It is not just the responsibility of governments but of everyone — legislators, healthcare workers, professionals, and all concerned individuals,” she said.

The Lagos speaker stated the need to safeguard young girls’ health, dignity, and rights, vowing to push for policies that raise awareness and protect potential victims.

She stressed that society must unite to protect girls’ future, preserving their health, dignity, and rights.

Ms Meranda reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for policies that protect girls, raise awareness, and put an end to this atrocity.

She urged everyone to take action in their respective capacities, stressing that a world free from this harmful practice is possible through collective effort.

(NAN)