The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) through the Centre for Comprehensive Promotion of Reproductive Health (CCPRH), has conducted a one-day capacity-building training aimed at strengthening advocacy for the abandonment of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) across the state.
The training, which brought together Medical Officers of Health (MOHs), Health Educators (HEs), and Monitoring and Evaluation Officers (M&Es) from all 33 Local Government Areas of Oyo State, was held at Plaza De Aruna Hotel, Oyo Town. It forms part of ongoing efforts by the Board and its partners to eliminate harmful traditional practices and promote the health and rights of women and girls.
In his welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, who was represented by the Director of Special Duty, Dr. Abiodun Akeem Akande, reaffirmed the Board’s unwavering commitment to ending Female Genital Mutilation in Oyo State. He stressed that FGM remains a harmful and outdated practice that must be completely eradicated through sustained advocacy, community engagement, and strengthened health systems.
Dr. Olatunji noted that primary healthcare workers play a critical role in influencing behavioral change at the grassroots level. He urged participants to take ownership of the campaign against FGM by serving as advocates within their respective local government areas and communities.
He further emphasized the importance of equipping health workers with the right knowledge and tools to identify, prevent, and respond to cases of FGM and other forms of gender-based violence (GBV). According to him, the training is expected to enhance participants’ capacity to drive effective interventions and ensure proper referral mechanisms.
Speaking during the session, Mrs. Bilikis Olawoyin, the Programme Officer, delivered a comprehensive presentation on Female Genital Mutilation. Her session covered the definition, types, prevalence, drivers, and consequences of the practice, as well as emerging trends in Oyo State.
Mrs. Olawoyin highlighted that FGM, often mistakenly referred to as female circumcision, is a harmful cultural practice with no medical benefits. She clarified the clear distinction between male circumcision and female genital mutilation, stressing that FGM violates the rights of women and girls and exposes them to severe health complications.
She also educated participants on the socio-cultural factors that sustain the practice, including myths, misconceptions, and societal pressure. The session further addressed the physical, psychological, and emotional consequences of FGM, reinforcing the need for collective action to eliminate it.
In addition, participants were trained on appropriate referral pathways for survivors of Gender-Based Violence and FGM. Emphasis was placed on ensuring that affected individuals receive timely medical care, psychosocial support, and legal assistance where necessary.
The training underscored the importance of understanding FGM as a preventable public health issue and a violation of human rights. Participants were encouraged to intensify awareness campaigns and promote behavioral change within their communities to protect the rights and well-being of the girl child.
The health educators were equipped with identification jackets, information, education, and communication (IEC) materials, as well as reporting booklets to support their fieldwork. These resources ensured that they were easily recognized within the community and had the necessary tools to deliver accurate and consistent health messages.
Additionally, the provision of reporting booklets enabled systematic documentation of their activities, helping to track progress and outcomes. This comprehensive support strengthened their capacity to carry out effective community awareness and outreach initiatives.
The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board reiterated its commitment to working with development partners, stakeholders, and community leaders to ensure the total abandonment of FGM in the state. The Board also called for sustained collaboration to achieve zero tolerance for the practice.
The training concluded with a renewed call to action for all participants to serve as frontline advocates in the campaign against Female Genital Mutilation, ensuring that every girl child in Oyo State is protected from harm and given the opportunity to thrive in a safe and healthy environment.