Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi
Agency Report
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has pledged his support for the National Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign.
Expectedly, the Federal Government will launch a nationwide Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign in October.
Ogunwusi, who pledged while briefing newsmen in Abuja, also called for mass mobilisation for the exercise.
He said that the campaign will be anchored by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, along with other health stakeholders. It is an exercise that every Nigerian must support and key into.
“Measles and Rubella are not distant problems; they are real threats affecting our families and taking young lives. The good news is that these diseases are preventable through vaccination.
“This campaign targeting the vaccination of children from nine months old to 14 years is not just an event; it is a call to protect our future.
“The nationwide rollout of the Measles-Rubella vaccine is expected to significantly reduce childhood mortality and improve Nigeria’s overall health indicators,” he said.
He called on Nigerians to take collective action to further encourage the health sector to continue to provide for its people vaccine for preventable diseases.
“I fully endorse the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign, and I call on all parents, caregivers, school authorities, and community leaders to ensure our children participate in this exercise for our future,” he stressed.
The traditional ruler also called on his colleagues, religious leaders, and community influencers to rally their support for this vaccination exercise, and also pass the message to their subjects in their various communities.
“We want you to educate, dispel myths, and mobilize every parent to vaccinate their children.”
The Ooni also pledged to activate the influence of traditional institutions across the country to ensure the message reaches every household.
“Together, we can protect our children and build a healthier future for our land. We did it before during COVID, and we can do it again. We will continue to support the health initiatives of the NPHCDA,” he said.
The campaign is part of Nigeria’s broader efforts to eliminate measles and rubella, in line with global health goals and sustainable development priorities.
This initiative had received widespread support from government bodies and international health partners.
Ooni’s endorsement is expected to boost community trust and accelerate uptake, especially in rural and underserved areas where traditional leaders hold much ground.
NAN
