Lagos First Lady flags off polio vaccination as Nigeria faces new surge
By Adeola Ogunrinde
The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on Tuesday flagged off a statewide polio vaccination exercise in commemoration of the 2025 World Immunization Week. The event, held at Lagos House, Ikeja, was themed “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible,” and aimed to raise awareness about polio and promote vaccination towards a polio-free world.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that polio is a preventable disease and no child should suffer or die from it. She acknowledged that some children, especially in riverine areas, are yet to be vaccinated, but assured that the state government is committed to ensuring no child is left behind.
She stated that the immunization week aligns with the THEMES+ agenda of Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration, which prioritizes health. “We are ready to walk the talk to ensure our children are protected from this preventable disease. We will debunk myths and misinformation, mobilize the grassroots, and uphold the right of every child to be immunized. Our political will is fully behind our health workers,” she said.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu announced that from May 3 to May 6, 2025, her office in collaboration with the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board will observe the National Immunization Plus Days, providing oral vaccines to children aged 0–5. She urged parents and caregivers to ensure their children are vaccinated.
Also speaking at the event, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, called on Nigerians to spread awareness about the dangers of polio and the critical need for vaccination.
The Chief of the UNICEF Field Office for Southwest Nigeria, Celine Lafoucriere, highlighted a resurgence of the polio virus in Nigeria, which had previously been 99.9% eradicated. She revealed that two million Nigerian children remain unimmunized due to widespread myths and misinformation about vaccines.
“Vaccines are powerful. Since 1974, over 150 million children have been saved through immunization, yet some still believe vaccines are harmful. The polio virus is now creeping back through the back door,” she warned.
Lafoucriere called for stronger national action to educate the public on the safety and necessity of vaccines. “We must help people understand that vaccination is the only sustainable path forward. Together, we can eradicate polio and protect our children from vaccine-preventable diseases,” she said.
