ADO-EKITI — The Ekiti State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating female genital mutilation and all forms of gender-based violence. Punch reported the renewed pledge on Monday. The declaration came as the state prepares for the June 20 governorship election.
Governor Biodun Oyebanji said his administration has made concrete progress in reducing FGM prevalence in Ekiti since taking office. He said community engagement, school education programs, and the enforcement of existing laws have combined to reduce the practice significantly in several local government areas.
Women’s rights advocates said Ekiti’s anti-FGM efforts have been among the more credible in southwest Nigeria. However, they noted that cultural practices with deep roots require sustained multi-generational engagement rather than short-term policy announcements. They called on whichever government emerges from the June 20 election to maintain and expand the current programs.
Violence Against Women
Beyond FGM, gender-based violence remains a serious problem in Ekiti and across Nigeria. The Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act provides a legal framework for prosecution. However, enforcement is inconsistent and victim support infrastructure is limited.
The state government said it is training more police officers and healthcare workers in VAPP protocols. It is also supporting a network of safe houses for women fleeing domestic violence. These investments have increased reporting rates, though officials acknowledge that many cases still go unreported.
The June 20 election will be the first in Ekiti with the state’s gender policy commitments in the public domain as a campaign accountability measure. Civil society groups said they will hold whichever government wins to these commitments in the months and years following the election.
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