Lagos Speaker seeks end to Female Genital Mutilation 

The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mojisola Meranda, has reaffirmed her commitment to the fight against Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), calling for collective action to end the harmful practice.

Meranda made this appeal in a statement on Thursday to mark the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation in Lagos.

The International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM is a United Nations-backed awareness day observed annually on Feb. 6.

This day is part of the UN’s global efforts to eradicate female genital mutilation. It was first introduced in 2003.

Meranda stated that she stands in solidarity with individuals and organisations worldwide in condemning this human rights violation affecting millions of girls and women.

“This year’s theme, #StepUpThePace, is a call to action. We must accelerate efforts to end this barbaric practice once and for all.

“It is not just the responsibility of governments but of everyone, legislators, healthcare workers, professionals, and all concerned individuals,” she said.

The Speaker emphasised the need to safeguard young girls’ health, dignity, and rights, vowing to push for policies that raise awareness and protect potential victims.

She stressed that society must unite to protect the future of daughters, ensuring their health, dignity, and rights are preserved.

Meranda reaffirmed her commitment to advocating for policies that protect girls, raise awareness, and put an end to this atrocity.

She urged everyone to take action in their respective capacities, stressing that a world free from this harmful practice is possible through collective effort.