Aderonke Olutayo, a sexual and reproductive health consultant, has called for stronger efforts to end the high prevalence of female genital mutilation in the country.

Ms Olutayo made the call at a two-day media dialogue organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund on Wednesday in Benin.

She said the issue of FGM had remained a pressing concern in Nigerian communities, adding that despite years of advocacy, there were still gaps in addressing the practice that must be addressed.

According to her, FGM is a traditional practice deeply rooted in culture and tradition across different communities.

“Some communities still regard it as a rite of passage, while others justify cutting for marriageability, believing girls who are not cut may never be married,” she said.

Ms Olutayo, also a consultant on FGM, said weak law systems were responsible for the persistence of FGM in the country.

“We have identified the fact that there is a lot of weak implementation of laws in the country,” she said.

She also noted that beyond law enforcement, poor coordination among critical actors hampered progress, adding that justice, health, media, and other sectors must collaborate.

According to the expert, health, justice, law enforcement agents, media, local governments, and community leaders must work together to create pathways of referral when survivors are identified.

Ms Olutayo, who advocated for stronger male involvement, stated that current efforts against the practice were limited.

“We have a very weak inclusion of men; hence, a male-engaged alliance is needed to end FGM. We do not want everybody working in isolation, but joining hands. We have a patriarchal system in Nigeria, and men have a lot of roles to play, and they are also affected by the decisions.

“We also know that FGM has negative consequences that affect women’s sexuality, and we want all this to stop for the sake of the future of our girls,” she said.

Earlier, the chief of UNICEF Lagos field office, Celine Lafoucriere, emphasised the importance of recognising FGM as a harmful practice that endangers women and girls.

Lafoucriere said no fewer than 20 million women and girls in Nigeria had undergone FGM, ranking the country third globally.

According to her, no cultural or traditional belief should compromise girls’ health rights.

(NAN)