Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the AfriWomen for Entrepreneurship Initiative, Chief Mrs. Adebukola Oso, has raised concerns about the increasing prevalence of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) among Nigerian girls, particularly those aged 0-14.
In a press statement issued at the headquarters of the non-governmental organization in Ibadan, Oyo State, she addressed the issue as part of activities marking the 2025 International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM. This annual observance, held on February 6th, carries the theme ‘Stepping Up the Pace’ and seeks to accelerate efforts to end the practice worldwide.
Highlighting recent data from the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Oso underscored a troubling rise in FGM cases among young Nigerian girls, with prevalence increasing from 16.9 percent in 2013 to 19.2 percent in 2018. She stressed that Nigeria ranks among the top three countries with the highest number of FGM survivors, with nearly 20 million affected women and girls.
Describing the practice as deeply harmful, Oso noted that it leaves lasting emotional and physical trauma, stripping girls of their fundamental rights to health, education, and a promising future. She condemned FGM as more than just a public health concern, calling it a severe violation of human rights rooted in longstanding gender inequalities and discriminatory cultural beliefs.
Despite the grim statistics, Oso expressed hope, drawing attention to the success of grassroots movements in countries like Kenya and Uganda, where community-led initiatives have led to a significant reduction in FGM cases. She emphasized the importance of similar collective action in Nigeria, advocating for unity in the fight against the practice.
As part of its commitment to ending FGM, the AfriWomen for Entrepreneurship Initiative will roll out a series of community-driven programs designed to educate people about the dangers of the practice while championing gender equality and women’s rights. The initiative aims to mobilize key stakeholders, including men, boys, and community leaders, to actively support efforts to eradicate FGM.
Oso reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to collaborating with local and international groups working to eliminate FGM, stressing that a unified approach is necessary to dismantle harmful traditions that perpetuate violence and discrimination against girls.
Citing recent research, she warned that without decisive intervention, up to 68 million girls globally remain at risk of undergoing FGM between 2015 and 2030. She called for immediate action, urging stakeholders to strengthen advocacy efforts and push for policies that protect girls from this practice.
Encouraging individuals, community leaders, and policymakers to acknowledge the urgency of the issue, Oso called for a coordinated response to safeguard the rights and well-being of girls across Nigeria.
Marking the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, the AfriWomen for Entrepreneurship Initiative reaffirms its commitment to standing in solidarity with all efforts aimed at ensuring that every girl grows up in a safe and empowering environment, free from harmful traditions that threaten her future.
