The Oyo State Government has intensified efforts to combat Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) through a capacity-building programme aimed at equipping health workers with the skills needed to tackle the harmful practice across the state.
The training, organised by the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) through the Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health, focused on strengthening advocacy against FGM and other harmful traditional practices.
The one-day programme, held at Plaza De Aruna Hotel in Oyo Town, brought together Medical Officers of Health, Health Educators, and Monitoring and Evaluation Officers from the 33 local government areas of the state.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the initiative forms part of the state government’s ongoing efforts to protect the health, rights, and well-being of women and girls.
Speaking during the training, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, represented by the Director of Special Duties, Dr. Abiodun Akeem Akande, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending FGM in the state.
He described the practice as harmful, outdated, and dangerous to the physical and emotional well-being of women and girls, stressing that continuous advocacy and community engagement are essential to eliminating it.
Olatunji urged primary healthcare workers to take the anti-FGM campaign to grassroots communities and serve as agents of behavioural change.
“The training was designed to equip health workers with the knowledge and tools required to identify, prevent, and respond effectively to cases of FGM and other forms of Gender-Based Violence,” he said.
He added that the programme would also enhance participants’ capacity to provide proper referrals and support services for survivors.
During one of the sessions, Programme Officer Mrs. Bilikis Olawoyin delivered a presentation on the causes, prevalence, and consequences of FGM, including emerging trends within Oyo State.
She explained that the practice, commonly referred to as female circumcision, has no medical benefits and can result in severe health complications such as excessive bleeding, infections, childbirth complications, psychological trauma, and increased risks of newborn deaths.
Olawoyin identified cultural beliefs, myths, and societal pressure as some of the major factors sustaining the practice in many communities.
Participants were also trained on referral procedures for survivors of Gender-Based Violence and FGM, with emphasis on ensuring access to medical care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance where necessary.
To strengthen community sensitisation campaigns, health educators at the training received identification jackets, Information, Education and Communication materials, as well as reporting booklets to support outreach activities.
The state government reaffirmed its commitment to working with development partners, community leaders, and other stakeholders to ensure the total eradication of FGM across Oyo State.
The training concluded with a renewed appeal to health workers to champion awareness campaigns and help create a safer environment for girls and women.
According to the World Health Organization, Female Genital Mutilation involves procedures that intentionally alter or injure female genital organs for non-medical reasons and provides no health benefits to girls and women.