The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has publicly declared his support for the upcoming nationwide Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign scheduled for October. The Federal Government, through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), is spearheading this critical public health initiative aimed at safeguarding children from these preventable diseases.
During a briefing with journalists in Abuja, the traditional ruler emphasized the importance of mass mobilization to ensure the success of the campaign. “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,” he said.
Okay.ng reports that the campaign targets children aged nine months to 14 years and seeks to significantly reduce childhood mortality rates while improving Nigeria’s overall health indicators. Ogunwusi stressed, “This campaign is not just an event; it is a call to protect our future.”
The Ooni further urged Nigerians to unite in supporting the health sector’s efforts to provide vaccines 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 added.
In addition to his personal endorsement, Oba Ogunwusi called on fellow traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community influencers to actively promote the vaccination exercise within their communities. “We want you to educate, dispel myths, and mobilize every parent to vaccinate their children,” he implored.
He also pledged to leverage the influence of traditional institutions nationwide 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,” the Ooni affirmed.
This vaccination campaign forms part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to eliminate measles and rubella, aligning with global health goals and sustainable development priorities. The initiative has garnered widespread backing from government agencies and international health partners.
The Ooni’s endorsement is expected to bolster community trust and accelerate vaccine uptake, especially in rural and underserved areas where traditional leaders hold significant influence.
