LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board has stepped up its campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) through a statewide training programme aimed at equipping healthcare workers with the skills to combat the practice at the grassroots level.
The one-day capacity-building workshop was organized in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund through the Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health.
The event which took place at Plaza De Aruna Hotel in Oyo Town, brought together Medical Officers and Health Educators, alongside Monitoring and Evaluation Officers from all 33 local government areas in the state.
According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the programme highlights the state’s efforts to eliminate harmful cultural practices while protecting the health, dignity, and rights of females.
The state has intensified its commitment to not just end the harmful practice, but to support survivors and promote community awareness.
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, restated the government’s resolve to eradicate FGM in the state.
He described the practice as outdated and dangerous, stressing that stronger advocacy, improved healthcare systems, and community involvement is imperative to ending it permanently.
Olatunji also highlighted the important role of primary healthcare workers in changing attitudes at the community level.
He urged participants to become active voices against FGM in their various localities.
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“The training was designed to equip health workers with the knowledge and tools needed to identify, prevent, and respond effectively to cases of FGM and other forms of Gender-Based Violence. The programme will strengthen participants’ capacity to implement interventions and ensure proper referral mechanisms for survivors,” Olatunji said.
During another session, Programme Officer Mrs. Bilikis Olawoyin gave an in-depth presentation on FGM, explaining its meaning, different forms, causes, prevalence, consequences, and emerging trends in Oyo State.
She warned that FGM, often mistakenly called female circumcision, offers no medical value but exposes girls and women to serious physical, emotional, and psychological complications that stays with many survivors for years.
Experts state that the practice has no health benefits but can lead to severe bleeding, infections, urinary problems, childbirth complications, and increased risk of newborn deaths.
Furthermore, Olawoyin identified social pressure, cultural beliefs, myths, and misconceptions as some of the major reasons the practice continues in many communities.
Therefore, she called for united action from stakeholders to end it and save the present and future generation of girls from the harmful practice.
Participants were also trained on referral procedures for survivors of gender-based violence (GBV), including the need to provide quick medical attention, psychosocial care, and legal support where necessary.
Furthermore, health educators received identification jackets, Information, Education and Communication materials, as well as reporting booklets to support awareness campaigns, community outreach, and field documentation.
The training further reinforced concerns that FGM is not only a harmful cultural practice but also a preventable public health challenge and a violation of human rights.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), FGM involves the partial or total removal of the external female genitalia or other injuries to female reproductive organs for non-medical reasons.
Ultimately, the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board pledged continued collaboration with development partners, community leaders, and relevant stakeholders to ensure the total abandonment of FGM across the state.
Participants also left the training with a renewed commitment to protect girls through stronger advocacy and early intervention within their communities.
