The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has called for unified efforts to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria.
In a statement released on Thursday to commemorate the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation, Meranda emphasized the urgent need to put an end to this harmful practice.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, observed annually on February 6, is a United Nations initiative aimed at increasing awareness and promoting global action against FGM. This campaign has been in place since its introduction in 2003 as part of the UN’s strategy to eradicate the practice.
FGM involves the partial or complete removal of external female genitalia or any other form of genital injury carried out for non-medical reasons. The procedure, typically performed on girls from infancy up to age 15, is a grave violation of their fundamental rights, including their health, security, and dignity.
Meranda expressed her solidarity with individuals and organizations around the world in denouncing this human rights violation, which continues to impact millions of women and girls.
She highlighted this year’s theme, #StepUpThePace, as a rallying call to accelerate efforts in ending FGM once and for all.
“This is a fight that goes beyond government action—it requires the collective responsibility of lawmakers, healthcare professionals, advocacy groups, and every member of society,” she stated.
The Speaker reiterated the necessity of safeguarding young girls from this inhumane act by advocating policies that enhance awareness and protect those at risk. She urged society to unite in securing a future where every girl’s health, dignity, and rights remain intact.
Meranda reaffirmed her commitment to championing policies aimed at eradicating FGM and ensuring the protection of girls from this atrocity. She called on everyone to take meaningful action within their respective roles, emphasizing that a world free from this harmful practice can be achieved through a collective and determined effort.
