Ondo Governor Tasks Mothers to Become Immunisation Advocates

Speaking during the 2025 African Vaccination Week at the Comprehensive Health Centre in Isolo, Akure on April 24, 2025, Mr Aiyedatiwa, represented by his Special Adviser on Health, Professor Michael Sinmidele Odimayo, charged mothers to become immunisation advocates.

“Inform those ignorant about vaccination and its importance. Vaccination is a human right,” the Governor said, highlighting the state’s health priorities, including free Hepatitis B treatment and the expansion of the health insurance scheme.

Delivering WHO’s goodwill message on behalf of the Country Representative, Dr Walter Kazadi Mulombo, Dr Adebayo said, “The African Vaccination Week is a reminder of WHO’s commitment to ensuring every child has access to life-saving vaccines.

“Immunisation is a human right, and this year’s theme is a powerful call to action. We appreciate all caregivers and partners championing this cause.”

Business Post gathered that about 70 children were immunised and administered doses of the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV), Rota vaccine, and Vitamin A.

To encourage continued participation and advocacy, all 70 caregivers received diapers as incentives and were recognised as immunisation champions.

One of them, a 30-year-old Ajibola Ibukunoluwa, said vaccination is a must, stressing that, “Immunisation reduces mortality in children, and I’ll keep encouraging others to get their children vaccinated. The vaccination week has helped raise awareness among mothers.”

Another caregiver, Mrs Hassan Olayinka, whose 9-month-old baby received the measles, yellow fever, and meningitis vaccines at the event, expressed her gratitude to the government, WHO, and partners for making the vaccines accessible and available to children in the country.

“Immunisation is a very powerful tool. It prevents children from falling sick. I am happy with the services I received today and will advise mothers in my neighbourhood to take it seriously. I thank the State Government and partners like WHO for organising this,” she stated.

The immunisation programme was organised by the state government through the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA), in collaboration with WHO, Clinton Health Access Initiatives (CHAI) and UNICEF to mark the 14th African Vaccination Week themed Immunisation for all is Humanly Possible.