Youths call for end to FGM at inter-school competition

As advocacy to end Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) continues to spread across Nigeria, students from schools in Ojoo area of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have joined the train to fight against the scourge of FGM as they called for quick intervention during an Inter-School Competition where they advocated collaboration to end the menace.

The Inter-School Competition was to commemorate the 60th Birthday celebration of the Director General, Nigerian Institute Of Social And Economic Research (NISER), Prof. Antonia Taiye Simbine  and her twin brother, Mr Anthony Kehinde Okoosi, where participants were of the consensus that everyone must come together to save the future of girls in Nigeria from Female Genital Mutilation.

According to the students, many girls after mutilation have bled to death, while some suffer during child birth in their Reproductive age, others face one challenges or the other emanating from FGM.

The students were drawn from senior secondary schools like Ojoo High School, Sam Adegbite Secondary School, Aroro Community School, GOFAMINT Secondary School, Army Day Secondary School, University of Ibadan International School and Abadina Secondary School, among others.

The Chairperson of the occasion, Professor Adanze Asinobi, in her opening remarks emphasised that addressing FGM requires a collective effort, with communities, governments and organisations working together to eliminate the practice and protect the rights and well-being of women and girls.

Prof. Asinobi also spoke on the menace of FGM, calling for awareness creation in every part of the country, as an effective means to help in preventing the continuity of harmful practices in Nigeria and the world at large.

During the students’ stage contest, Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) was described as unlawful practice of altering the female genital organs for non-medical reasons, which is recognized as a severe violation of human rights.

The students, in one voice, agreed that it was time for people to put an end to the practice and allow female children to grow up free from harm, make their own choices and to live healthy, fulfilling lives without the trauma of genital mutilation.

On her part, Mrs Oloruntomiwa Oyetunde, Programme Coordinator, Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health (CCPRH), who was the guest speaker, noted that FGM represents a severe violation of human rights.

Oyetunde, who noted that FGM can lead to scarring, infections and complications that may contribute to infertility in the long run; stressed further that the practice is still ongoing despite the widespread awareness of its dangers and the legal frameworks against it.

“This persistent practice needs to be addressed through education and advocacy,” she emphasised

Prof. Antonia Simbine along with her twin brother Sir’ Anthony Okoosi, expressed gratitude to every one for the honour, acknowledging the importance of nurturing young talent. “I am deeply honoured to witness the creativity, passion, and dedication of the students here today”.

Earlier, the organiser of the debate, Gender Alive Foundation (GAF) a nongovernmental organisation led by the County Lead, Mr Yinka Adeniran, spoke extensively on the role Gender Alive foundation has been playing in the society as well as support being given to women and children

He said that the NGO will continue to strengthen efforts made by individuals and organisations to support the vulnerable groups.

At the end of the competition, a student from Abadina College, JB Mark came first while the second place went to a student from the International high School, UI, Army Day School, King College School.

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE