By Ojotule Romanus
Inline with his administration’s resolve to build a healthy and safe state, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Odoodo, has flagged-off the Intergrated Measle-Rubella Campaign with the Novel Oral Polio Vaccine (nOPV), Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) Vaccination And Routine Immunisation (RI) in the State.
Speaking at the official flag-off held at the Primary Health Care Centre, Old Market in Lokoja Local Government Area recently, the Governor stated that the flag-off marks another strong step in government’s resolve to build a healthy, safe, and prosperous Kogi State.
This is just as he pointed out the move is to ensure that no child in Kogi is left behind in the journey to a healthy and productive life.
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“From October 7th to 15th, 2025, this campaign will reach every ward, community, and Local Government Area in our State.”
The Governor said the programme is among other things, “aimed at vaccinating children aged 9 months to 5 years against Measles and Rubella diseases that continue to cause avoidable illness and death, provide the nOPV2 vaccine to protect against Polio and preserve our hard-earned polio-free status, administer the HPV vaccine to girls aged 9 to 14 years.”
He stated that the HPV vaccine is an important milestone in protecting the women and girls from cervical cancer, which has claimed too many lives and as well as strengthen Routine Immunisation (RI), to ensure the children continue to receive life-saving vaccines year-round.
Governor Ododo, emphasised further that the campaign is not just about vaccines but about “our commitment to life, health, and the future of Kogi State. It shows what we stand for as a government.
“The campaign is also aimed at strengthening primary healthcare delivery, reducing maternal and child mortality, promoting gender equity in health, andinvesting in people as the true foundation of development.”
According to him, his administration has put everything in place to ensure that no eligible child or adolescent is left out, whether in the cities or the remotest villages.
He urged all parents and caregivers to make sure that children receive these vaccines, stressing that “when you vaccinate your child, you are protecting not just your family but the entire community.”
Governor Ododo assured that his administration would continues to invest in preventive healthcare, accessibility, and equity for every citizen, no matter where they live.
He called on traditional rulers and religious leaders, stating that as trusted voices in their various communities, they should continue to help the government in the fight misinformation, encourage participation, and promote trust in government health programmes.
The Governor extended his appreciation to development partners such as WHO, UNICEF, GAVI, Solina Health, AFENET CDC, IVAC, ACASUS, CHIGARI Foundation, Sultan Foundation, and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), noting that their consistent technical and financial support has strengthened our health system and improved the lives of the people.”
