Senator Oluremi Tinubu, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, marked the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) with a poignant call to action, emphasizing the theme “Her Voice, Her Future: Investing in Survivors Led Movements to End Female Genital Mutilation.”
In a press statement, Senator Tinubu underscored the imperative to safeguard the rights and well-being of the girl child while addressing the persistent challenges posed by FGM in Nigeria.
The commemoration of this day serves as a solemn reminder of the ongoing responsibility to protect young girls from the harmful practice of FGM. Senator Tinubu directed her call to action towards parents, particularly mothers, traditional leaders, and community leaders, urging them to recognize the irreversible damage and health implications inflicted upon daughters subjected to FGM.
While acknowledging the progress made in the fight against FGM in Nigeria, Senator Tinubu emphasized the need to confront the practices that continue to endanger the lives and futures of girls across the nation. She commended the efforts of various stakeholders, including First Ladies of States, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and healthcare professionals, for their unwavering commitment to raising awareness and advocating for the eradication of FGM.
Looking ahead, Senator Tinubu articulated a collective vision to achieve the full eradication of FGM in Nigeria by 2030. She called for unity and concerted action, urging all stakeholders to remain steadfast in their efforts to eliminate this harmful practice. Emphasizing the importance of speaking out against injustice, Senator Tinubu rallied support for the cause and expressed gratitude to those dedicated to safeguarding the rights and dignity of Nigerian girls.