Oyo First Lady leads measles, rubella vaccination campaign in Ibadan
By Adejayan Gbenga –
The First Lady of Oyo State, Engr. Tamunominini Makinde, has intensified advocacy for measles and rubella vaccination, urging communities to take greater responsibility for protecting children from preventable diseases.
She made the call on Tuesday during a sensitization program held at the Local Government Staff Training School, Agodi, Ibadan. The event brought together stakeholders from the health sector, local governments, and civil society organizations to mobilize support for routine immunization.
The campaign is part of a broader partnership between the Oyo State Government and the Renewed Hope Initiative, spearheaded by Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu. It targets children between 9 months and 15 years of age.
In her keynote address, Mrs. Makinde emphasized the importance of vaccines, describing them as safe and life-saving. “As mothers and leaders in our homes and communities, we have a sacred duty to protect our children,” she said.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, highlighted that measles remains a major killer of children under five, while rubella poses serious risks to pregnant women and their unborn children. She added that vitamin A supplements would be administered alongside the vaccines.
Dr. Ajetunmobi noted that misinformation and cultural resistance remain barriers to vaccine uptake but affirmed the state’s commitment to reaching every eligible child with accurate information and effective delivery.
After the sensitization session, a rally involving health workers, women’s groups, and volunteers proceeded from the training school to the Governor’s Office to demonstrate public support for the campaign.
Governor Seyi Makinde received the participants and pledged his administration’s full backing. “Any initiative that protects the lives of our children is one I will stand behind,” he said, promising tangible support to ensure the campaign’s success.
