Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has called on stakeholders in the health sector to intensify their support in the collective effort to eliminate all vaccine-preventable diseases across the state.
The governor made the appeal during the official flag-off of the 2025 National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) held at the Mother and Child Hospital, Oke-Aro, Akure. Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fashoranti, Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to protecting children’s health and sustaining Ondo State’s outstanding record in polio eradication and routine immunisation.
“Ondo State has consistently been recognised as one of the high-performing states in Nigeria for polio eradication, and we remain resolute in maintaining that status,” he stated.
According to the governor, the state government continues to prioritise healthcare by ensuring routine immunisation services remain active in all health facilities. This, he said, is aimed at improving the coverage of oral polio vaccines and other antigens administered at key child development milestones — birth, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, and 9 months.
“In spite of current economic challenges and other competing demands, we have sustained regular funding for the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency. This ensures that all 18 Local Government Areas remain proactive in tackling vaccine-preventable diseases, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality rates among neonates and children under one year,” Aiyedatiwa added.
The governor also urged mothers, caregivers, and community leaders to fully cooperate with health workers as they embark on the statewide immunisation campaign, which kicks off on Saturday, May 3, 2025, and runs until Tuesday, May 6, 2025. A mop-up exercise is scheduled for May 7 and 8, 2025.
“Our dedicated health workers will visit homes, markets, churches, schools, and rural communities to ensure no child is left behind. I call on parents and guardians to ensure their children, aged 0 to 5 years, receive these life-saving vaccines,” he said.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, emphasised the importance of community support for the immunisation programme. He praised the governor’s continuous investment in the health sector, which he noted has kept Ondo State among the top-ranking states in immunisation coverage nationwide.
“The aim of these vaccines is to protect our children from diseases that can cut their lives short. Ondo State has always excelled in immunisation campaigns, and with the ongoing support from government and health partners, this campaign will be another success,” Akanbiemu assured.
Also speaking, the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Victor Adefesoye, confirmed that eligible children would receive oral polio vaccines, Vitamin A supplements, and other vital antigens as part of the immunisation exercise.
In goodwill messages, the Acting State Representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Ibrahim Adebayo, and Rotary Club’s Dr. Toyin Adeyalo-Ogundare, commended the state government’s efforts in safeguarding child health through consistent vaccination programmes. They encouraged mothers to actively participate in the immunisation days to ensure complete coverage.
Some mothers present at the event, Mrs. Kehinde Faleye and Faith James, expressed their gratitude to the government and health stakeholders for prioritising their children’s health and offering consistent access to vaccines.
The event was graced by traditional rulers, religious leaders, government officials, and directors from the state health agency, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Osamaye.
The 2025 National Immunisation Plus Days in Ondo State represents another crucial step in the state’s mission to achieve zero tolerance for polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
