The Obafemi Owode Local Government has officially flagged off the Measles–Rubella Vaccination (MRV) exercise, with a strong call on residents to cooperate fully with health officials to ensure the success of the programme.
The flag-off ceremony, held on Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Dapo Abiodun Viewing Centre, Local Government Secretariat, Owode-Egba, was led by the Wife of the Executive Chairman, Alhaja Mojisola Ogunsola, who charged parents and guardians to embrace the exercise in the interest of their children’s health and future.
Addressing stakeholders and community members at the event, Alhaja Ogunsola urged residents to show maximum cooperation as medical officers move from house to house to administer the vaccines. She explained that the exercise targets children between the ages of nine months and fourteen years, with the aim of preventing measles, rubella, and other related ailments that could negatively affect child development.
According to her, the government has demonstrated commitment to child healthcare by ensuring the availability of vaccines and providing the necessary support to make the exercise successful. She encouraged mothers and caregivers to seize the opportunity by presenting their children for vaccination whenever health workers visit their homes.
Alhaja Ogunsola also expressed appreciation to the World Health Organization (WHO) for its continued partnership and support, particularly for identifying with the government and people of Obafemi Owode Local Government in strengthening child health services.
In her goodwill message, Dr. Laura, representative of the World Health Organization, Geneva, commended the local government for the warm reception accorded her and her team. She noted that her observations since Tuesday, January 27, showed a commendable level of orderliness, cooperation, and compliance among residents.
Dr. Laura emphasized that the primary objective of the Measles–Rubella Vaccination programme is to build strong immunity in the body systems of children within the target age group, thereby protecting them against preventable diseases. She further encouraged nursing mothers and caregivers to actively participate in the exercise, stressing its long-term benefits for children’s health and well-being.
Earlier in his remarks, the Health Secretary of Obafemi Owode Local Government, Dr. Otuyalo Akinsanya, decorated Alhaja Mojisola Ogunsola as the Measles–Rubella Vaccine (MRV) Champion in recognition of her advocacy and support for child healthcare initiatives.
Dr. Akinsanya commended the government for prioritizing the health of children, describing them as “the leaders of tomorrow.” He also appreciated the WHO delegation for conducting on-the-spot assessments of the exercise, noting that residents of Obafemi Owode Local Government have demonstrated a high level of cooperation and compliance.
The Measles–Rubella Vaccination exercise is expected to run across communities in the local government area, as health officials intensify efforts to safeguard children against preventable diseases.
