In a landmark move for women's rights and health, the residents of Ajogba Community in Ilesa East Local Government Area of Osun State have collectively pledged to end the practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The community has vowed to collaborate with authorities and hand over anyone caught performing the act to law enforcement agencies.
A Public Declaration for Change
This significant resolution was formally adopted on Friday, 6th December 2025, during a public declaration ceremony for FGM Abandonment in Osun State. The event was organized by the non-governmental organization Action Health Incorporated (AHI), with crucial support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Chief O. Aluko, the chairman of the Ajogba community, stated that since FGM has been outlawed in Nigeria, it is now a serious offence for any member to mutilate their female children. "We have abolished FGM in our community, and ever since it was announced, we have not heard of anyone engaging in FGM," Aluko declared. He assured the government and NGOs that the harmful practice would never resurface in Ajogba.
Community-Led Surveillance and Enforcement
The commitment goes beyond mere words. The community has erected a prominent billboard announcing the abandonment of FGM in Ajogba and its surroundings. More importantly, a concrete enforcement strategy has been put in place.
A community surveillance team has been constituted to monitor closely and promptly report any attempts to carry out female genital mutilation. Chief Aluko emphasized the community's resolve: "We will collaborate with government to ensure that anyone caught in the act will be handed over to security agencies."
Another community leader, Mr. Olawale Olowokere, reinforced this stance, reiterating their willingness to expose perpetrators before they even act. "We will report any offender to law enforcement agency. FGM is actually harming our girl child," Olowokere said. He highlighted the severe health damages and negative socio-economic impacts, concluding that FGM holds no benefit for the community.
Addressing a Deep-Rooted Challenge in Osun
The public declaration is a response to the persistently high prevalence of FGM in Osun State, particularly in rural areas. Mrs. Oluwatoyin Akinyele, CEO of the Godly Seed Welfare & Children Care Centre International (a community-based organization partnered with AHI), expressed concern over the issue.
"Despite ongoing sensitisation efforts, FGM remains a significant issue," Akinyele noted. She pointed out that the World Health Organisation recognizes FGM as a contributor to childbirth complications and infections. Alarmingly, she revealed that the practice persists in specific regions of Osun, sometimes even involving health practitioners.
Akinyele expressed delight at Ajogba's decisive action, including forming the surveillance team to monitor childbirth practices. She dispelled myths justifying FGM, stating, "No religion mandates female circumcision. This culture is breaking homes, exposing survivors to diseases and might even lead to death."
With the new billboard standing as a permanent reminder of their pledge, hopes are high that Ajogba Community has taken a definitive step to protect its daughters and permanently relegate Female Genital Mutilation to history.
