The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), government officials, media and civil society groups have renewed calls for an end to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in Nigeria, describing the practice as a gross violation of the rights of women and girls.

Speaking at a two day media dialogue in Benin City, Edo State, UNICEF Chief, Lagos Field Office, Celine Lacourciere, said FGM remains both urgent and achievable to eliminate.

She said despite being outlawed in Nigeria, this harmful practice which continues in many communities, is fuelled by myths, and tradition, adding that no culture or custom should come at the expense of girls’ health, rights or their future.

According to her, nearly 20 million women and girls in Nigeria have undergone FGM, ranking the country third highest globally, with most of them gong under the knife before their 5th birthday, when they vulnerable and unable to consent and rebuff.

Lacourciere, who confidently announced that change is possible, revealed that change is happening through collaboration and initiatives like the Movement for Good, led by the Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with UNICEF.

Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Information and Orientation, Rotimi Babalola, who explained that similar dialogue was organized for Civil Society Organizations, the judiciary and security agencies in Oyo and Lagos states, however, appealed to the media to put in extra efforts into the campaign so that all the seven states in the UNICEF office can totally eliminate FGM.