Ekiti NOA Vows to End Female Genital Mutilation and Promote Human Rights

In a renewed effort to combat female genital mutilation (FGM) and human rights violations, the National Orientation Agency (NOA) in Ekiti State has launched an intensified sensitisation campaign.

The programme, held in Ado Ekiti on Monday, saw the NOA Director, Mrs. Kemi Akomolafe, declare the agency’s determination to eradicate FGM and enhance awareness on personal hygiene and rights.

“NOA is committed to fully eradicating female genital mutilation/cutting, especially among women and children in Ekiti State. There is need for citizens to take ownership of their actions and contribute to the development of the state,” Akomolafe stated emphatically.

The event brought together representatives from the National Human Rights Commission, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NAFDAC, and the Ekiti State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

Akomolafe stressed the importance of NOA’s community-based mobilisation strategy, urging residents to uphold hygiene and human rights. “FGM is a harmful practice which violates human rights and which should not be tolerated because of the significant consequences that follow the act,” she warned.

Dr. Olajumoke Oguntoye warned against chemical food preservatives, promoting natural alternatives for food safety. NAFDAC’s Mrs. Stella Dosunmu reassured participants of strict monitoring of food and drug outlets to eliminate fake and harmful products.

The NHRC’s Theophilus Gbadeyan emphasized respecting human rights, particularly freedom of association. Rev. Emmanuel Aribasoye of CAN commended the initiative, urging the message to reach rural areas for broader impact.