The First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, has joined the global campaign against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), calling for concerted efforts to eradicate the harmful practice.
In a statement commemorating the 2025 International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, Mrs. Ododo highlighted the urgent need to safeguard girls and women from the life-threatening impacts of FGM, describing it as a severe violation of human rights that continues to shatter the lives and futures of millions.
“According to UNICEF, over 200 million girls and women worldwide have survived FGM, with more than 25 million others at risk of undergoing the practice in the next five years. This is alarming, especially considering the relentless efforts to eradicate it, particularly in Africa,” she stated.
Mrs. Ododo urged for stronger government involvement and comprehensive support for FGM survivors in Kogi State. She emphasized the importance of multi-sectoral collaboration to effectively tackle the issue.
Reaffirming her commitment, she assured that her office would continue to work closely with relevant organizations to intensify the fight against FGM and provide essential support for those affected.
