The fight against female genital mutilation (FGM) is being undermined by families taking girls to other countries to put them through the procedure, the United Nations warned Friday.
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It called for concerted global action to tackle cross-border and transnational FGM, including so-called “vacation cutting” by families in the West.
Although many countries have stepped up efforts to eradicate FGM, the practice continues across the world, in part due to the “clandestine” practice of taking girls abroad, a report from the UN human rights office said.
Families, particularly in Europe and North America, take their daughters to their countries and communities of origin to undergo FGM during school holidays, the office said.
Though most countries in Africa have criminalised the practice, the report said some countries were serving as “transnational FGM hubs”, while in some cases, the cutters move across borders to carry out the procedure.
“Female genital mutilation is part of a continuum of gender-based violence and has no place in a human rights-respecting universe,” UN rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement.
“It must be eliminated in all its forms, and the gender stereotypes and patriarchal norms that anchor and perpetuate it uprooted.”
The UN children’s agency UNICEF defines FGM as “the partial or total removal of the female external genitalia or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons”.
It can lead to serious health problems, including infections, bleeding, infertility and complications in childbirth, and impairs sexual pleasure.
Turk called for countries to addresses the root causes and the consequences of FGM, by harmonising legal and policy frameworks and enforcing them.
According to the UNFPA — the UN’s sexual and reproductive health agency — more than 200 million girls and women alive today have undergone FGM.
“If the practice continues at the current pace, an estimated 68 million girls will undergo FGM between 2015 and 2030,” the report said.
PRESS STATEMENT
From: Okun Development Association (ODA)
The Okun Development Association (ODA), on behalf of Okun sons and daughters worldwide, extend sincere appreciation to His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu,
GCFR, for the appointment of Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN, as Chairman of the
Independent National Electoral Commission. (INEC). We receive this decision as a clear
endorsement of competence and character, and as a call to national service, anchored on
merit. The confidence reposed in Prof. Amupitan SAN, is an honour to Okunland, to Kogi
State, and to every Nigerian who believes that public office should reward integrity and
capacity.
ODA declares, without reservations, our unflinching support for Prof. Joash Amupitan
SAN, as he assumes leadership of INEC at a defining moment in our nation’s democratic
journey. His public and academic record reflect uncommon discipline, fidelity to due
process, and abiding respect for institutions. In every assignment he has handled, Prof.
Amupitan SAN, has shown the temperament, intellectual depth, and moral courage
required to manage sensitive national duties with fairness and firmness. We are assured
that these qualities will guide his stewardship of the Commission.
Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN, personifies the values Okunland holds dear: honesty, hard
work, humility, and service above self. As a scholar, he has raised generations of
Nigerians who today serve in critical sectors of our society. As an administrator, he has
built systems that outlast individuals.
His commitment to strong, impartial institutions is exactly what INEC requires to
consolidate public trust. We are confident that under his leadership, the Commission will
discharge its constitutional mandate without fear or favour, and that his tenure will
strengthen the credibility of our electoral process.
ODA is mindful that the office of INEC Chairman will always attract intense public
scrutiny. While such scrutiny is part of democracy, we respectfully remind all
stakeholders, political actors, and concerned citizens that Nigeria’s constitutional order
provides established channels for resolving disputes. We therefore urge any aggrieved
parties to ventilate their concerns through the appropriate legal and institutional
mechanisms. We call for restraint in public commentary and ask all Nigerians to grant
Prof. Amupitan the calm and institutional space needed to serve the nation with neutrality,
courage and desired result.
The Okun Development Association reaffirms its commitment to national unity,
democratic stability, and the success of the Tinubu administration. We assure the
President and the Nigerian people that Prof. Joash Amupitan SAN, will discharge his
responsibilities with honour, will bring credibility and candour to his office, to Okunland,
and to the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We request the prayers and goodwill of all citizens
as he undertakes this solemn duty for the nation.
God bless Okunland.
God bless Kogi State.
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Signed:
Amb. (Chief) Akenson Rotimi
President General,
Okun Development Association.
President-General: Amb. Akenson Rotimi
08075259447
The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office has sealed four properties across Ikotun and Ajah for illegally discharging untreated wastewater into public spaces.
The enforcement action, carried out on Wednesday and Thursday, targeted two residential properties at 13, Oritola Street and 1, Temitope Street, Pipeline, Ikotun.
The commissioner for the environment, Tokunbo Wahab, who disclosed the development on X on Thursday, added that a public toilet and a mechanic workshop along Badore Road, Ajah, were also sealed on Thursday.
Wahab said the Ikotun properties were sealed following public complaints, repeated warnings and verified findings from an investigation.
Some of the sealed locations. Photo: Tokunbo Wahab on X
He said the owners had been deliberately channelling untreated wastewater through pipes onto roads.
“The present situation, which remains unabated, showed that the properties were deliberately releasing untreated wastewater into the environment through pipes onto the roads, thereby constituting public nuisance,” he said.
The Ajah premises were shut over what the agency described as “indiscriminate discharge of wastewater into the public drain and the environment.”
Wahab warned that the crackdown would continue, saying individuals and organisations found violating environmental regulations would face appropriate sanctions and possible prosecution under enabling laws.
“@followlasg reiterates the need for residents and property managers to adhere strictly to proper wastewater management practices.
“Individual or organisation found contravening environmental regulations will be meted with appropriate sanctions and possible prosecution in accordance with the enabling laws,” Wahab added.oads, thereby constituting public nuisance,” he said.
The The Lagos State Wastewater Management Office has sealed four properties across Ikotun and Ajah for illegally discharging untreated wastewater into public spaces.
The enforcement action, carried out on Wednesday and Thursday, targeted two residential properties at 13, Oritola Street and 1, Temitope Street, Pipeline, Ikotun.
The commissioner for the environment, Tokunbo Wahab, who disclosed the development on X on Thursday, added that a public toilet and a mechanic workshop along Badore Road, Ajah, were also sealed on Thursday.
Wahab said the Ikotun properties were sealed following public complaints, repeated warnings and verified findings from an investigation.Ajah premises were shut over what the agency described as “indiscriminate discharge of wastewater into the public drain and the environment.”
Wahab warned that the crackdown would continue, saying individuals and organisations found violating environmental regulations would face appropriate sanctions and possible prosecution under enabling laws.
“@followlasg reiterates the need for residents and property managers to adhere strictly to proper wastewater management practices.
“Individual or organisation found contravening environmental regulations will be meted with appropriate sanctions and possible prosecution in accordance with the enabling laws,” Wahab added.
Exclusive
Egunjobi’s Track Record of Road Development Strengthens Reps Bid – Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
Former Chairman of Agege Local Government, Hon. Kola Egunjobi, has emerged as a strong contender for the House of Representatives, with his extensive record of road construction and rehabilitation projects widely cited as a key reason he deserves to represent Agege Federal Constituency in the Green Chamber.
During his tenure in Agege, Lagos State, Egunjobi initiated and delivered a broad range of road projects aimed at improving connectivity and stimulating local economic activities.
These projects, executed through new construction, rehabilitation, and interlocking stone paving, were strategically spread across the council area to address critical infrastructure gaps and long-standing community needs.
Notably, his administration constructed several new roads, including: Awori/Adesokan Street, Union Road in Dopemu, Alagbigba Street with streetlights, and Taiwo Street, also equipped with streetlights.
Similarly, Oniwaya Market Road, Sanni Omomeji Street, Abudu Oladejo Street, Shodipo Street, Ishola Yusuf Street, and Ogunjobi Street were completed, thereby easing movement and enhancing commercial access within key parts of the locality.
Furthermore, the administration rehabilitated Ashade Ogba Road, while also extending development to: Majaro Street, Oshungboye Keke Road, Humani Street, Onibeju Street, Imam Ojoku Street, Alowonle Street, and Ajibose Street. In the same vein, projects such as Elicana Phase 1, Ajakaiye Street, Arigidi/Sonaya Street, Adegbola Street, Adeniyi Street, Onilude Street, Okanlawon Street, Old Union Street, Onafuwa Street, and Abolore Phase 1 were successfully delivered.
In addition, construction works covered Anuoluwapo Street, Ashafa Street, Oredapo Street, Mayaka Street, Sarumi Alawo Street, Akerele Street, Ashiata Street, Abeje Street, Ashaolu Street, and Kosoko Street.
Significantly, Adebari Street was both constructed and interlocked, while Olowo Street benefitted from a combination of construction, installation of streetlights, and the provision of a security house, reflecting a comprehensive approach to infrastructure and safety.
Residents and stakeholders have continued to acknowledge the impact of these projects.
A community leader noted that the roads “greatly improved accessibility and supported economic activities across several neighbourhoods,” adding that many previously inaccessible areas have now been opened up.
Consequently, political observers maintain that Egunjobi’s infrastructure footprint underscores his administrative capacity and grassroots appeal.
They argued that his performance in office provides a solid foundation for legislative representation.
As the contest for the Green Chamber intensifies, supporters insist that his track record in road development remains a defining factor, positioning him as a candidate capable of attracting meaningful progress and sustained development for Agege at the national level.
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