In commemoration of the International Day of Zero Tolerance for Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), the Initiative for Girls’ Rights and Health Development (IGRHD), in partnership with The Testimonies of Christ Charity Center- TCCC, organized a large-scale community advocacy caravan in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
The outreach sponsored by the Wallace Global Fund, combined grassroots advocacy, faith-based engagement, and humanitarian support to drive awareness and community action against FGM.
The advocacy caravan featured a branded truck that moved through major community landmarks to mobilise public attention. The procession began at Akinola Village Market and continued along Oduduwa University Ibadan Road, through Obafemi Awolowo University, and Mayfair Roundabout. Throughout the route, advocacy songs and jingles were played while visibility materials were distributed to residents.
The caravan culminated at the Seventh Day Adventist Primary School Field in Lagere, Ile-Ife, where more than 1,500 women had gathered ahead of the team’s arrival. Participants included traditional cutters, FGM survivors, and traditional birth attendants.
During the event, organisers conducted sensitisation sessions highlighting the dangers and human rights implications of FGM. Discussions also centered on the Born Perfect Campaign, emphasising the right of every girl to be born free from harmful traditional practices.
As part of the outreach’s philanthropic component, 10 bags of rice and other support items were distributed to participants to assist vulnerable households and encourage continued engagement with anti-FGM advocacy.
The program also incorporated faith-based support, as prayers were offered for attendees and their communities. The outreach was led by Ayodeji Bello Awodoyin, who played a dual role as an FGM activist through IGRHD and a religious leader through TCCC, reflecting a holistic, community-sensitive approach to advocacy. The event was also supported by Christian Association of Nigeria, Ile Ife Chapters
The activity followed earlier stakeholder engagements, including discussions on the Born Perfect Campaign held in Akinlalu Village after a press conference announcing the caravan initiative in March 2024.
Stakeholders described the outreach as a significant step toward strengthening grassroots awareness, building trust with traditional actors, and advancing collective efforts to eliminate Female Genital Mutilation.
