Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to eradicating vaccine-preventable childhood diseases in Ondo State.
Speaking at the official launch of the 2025 National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) at the Mother and Child Hospital, Oke-Aro, Akure, the Governor—represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fashoranti—called on all stakeholders in the health sector to support the state’s immunisation efforts.
He noted that Ondo State has consistently been recognized as one of the top-performing states in the fight against polio, and his administration is determined to sustain that momentum.
Since the inception of our administration, we have continuously supported the NIPDs and other Supplemental Immunization Activities (SIAs), which is why Ondo State ranks among the best performing not only in the South-West but across the Non-High Risk (NHR) states,” he said.
Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized that this support aligns with the state’s health policy to strengthen Routine Immunization (RI) services across all health facilities. The goal, he said, is to ensure improved coverage for oral polio vaccines and other essential antigens administered at birth, 6 weeks, 10 weeks, 14 weeks, and 9 months.
Despite current economic challenges, the Governor highlighted his administration’s consistent funding of the Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency to enable it—and the 18 Local Government Primary Healthcare Authorities—to effectively tackle vaccine-preventable diseases. This commitment, he noted, has significantly reduced neonatal and infant morbidity and mortality in the state.
As the 2025 NIPDs kick off on Saturday, May 3, Governor Aiyedatiwa urged parents and caregivers to ensure that children aged 0–5 years are presented for vaccination.
In Ondo State, we maintain zero tolerance for polio. Our health workers will be going door-to-door, and visiting markets, schools, churches, and rural communities to ensure no child is left out. I call on parents, caregivers, and community leaders to give their full support,” he said.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu, encouraged mothers to cooperate fully with health workers during the immunisation campaign.
These vaccines protect our children from life-threatening diseases. Ondo State has consistently ranked high in national immunisation programmes, and we aim to maintain that standard,” he stated.
Dr. Akanbiemu also commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for his steadfast commitment to improving healthcare in the state.
The consistent high performance in our immunisation programmes is a direct result of the Governor’s proactive support and prioritisation of healthcare,” he added.
Dr. Victor Adefesoye, Director of Disease Control and Immunisation at the agency, disclosed that children under five will receive the oral polio vaccine, Vitamin A, and other routine antigens during the campaign.
In goodwill messages, Dr. Ibrahim Adebayo (Acting State Representative, WHO) and Dr. Toyin Adeyalo-Ogundare (Rotary Club) applauded Ondo State’s efforts in protecting children’s health and urged parents to ensure their children are immunised.
Two mothers, Mrs. Kehinde Faleye and Mrs. Faith James, expressed appreciation to the government and health stakeholders for safeguarding their children’s health through regular immunisation.
The launch event was attended by traditional rulers, religious leaders, and key government officials, including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, Dr. Seun Osamaye, and senior directors from the state’s primary healthcare agency.
The 2025 NIPDs will run from Saturday, May 3 to Tuesday, May 6, followed by a mop-up exercise scheduled for May 7–8.
