Aiyedatiwa Launches HPV Vaccination Campaign, Pledges Continued Support for Child Development

By Precious Oluwole

Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has affirmed his commitment to implementing child-friendly policies and programs to ensure the well-being and comprehensive development of children. He emphasized that these initiatives are designed to prepare the youth to thrive in the global arena in the near future.

Governor Aiyedatiwa made this statement during the official launch of the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination campaign for girls aged 9 to 14, which coincided with the Children’s Day celebration.

The Children’s Day event, themed “Building A Brighter Future For The Children,” was held at the Gani Fawehinmi Freedom Arcade in Igbatoro, Akure. It saw a large turnout of students from both private and public secondary and primary schools.

“I am deeply convinced that theme for this year’s celebration must have been carefully chosen having in mind that our children are not just the future leaders; they are the architect of tomorrow’s world. It our collective responsibility to provide them with necessary tools, opportunities, support and guidance to flourish and succeed, considering the envisioned future for them.

“There should be concerted efforts in investing in our children’s education, healthcare, safety and conducive environments where their potential can be achieved as there is no sacrifice that can be too big to make for them.

Governor Aiyedatiwa stressed that the mass recruitment of teachers in schools will go a long way to prepare and secure that brighter future for our children.

“The issue of healthcare for children and other residents of the State is not also being overlooked. Recently, some health workers were recruited while many more are in the process of being recruited into the State workforce due to the dearth of health personnel in almost all the health facilities across the State, not as a result of our own making, but a situation dumped on us by the ‘japa’ syndrome.

“ Human Papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine which has the female gender as its target is said to be very effective when administered on children between the ages of 9 and 14. Hence, our resolve to flag-off its administration on this day that coincides with the celebration of the Children’s Day.

“This shows the kind of premium we place on our children’s healthcare as this will go a long way to prevent the Incidence of cervical cancer among the female populace.

“Building a brighter future for our children requires more than just government’s actions alone, it requires the collective efforts of families, communities and the society at large. It further behoves us to lead by example, to instil in our children the core values of kindness, empathy and resilience”.

Governor Aiyedatiwa reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the children, families, community and the entire society as a responsible and responsive Government.

We shall continue to give priority attention to all matters that will bring about the best in our children knowing fully well that this will be a very profitable investment which we are bound to reap therefrom in the nearest future when we are old and unable to occupy the centre stage as we now do. Our investment in our children now is directly related to securing our future and old age.

“It is, however, quite disheartening to note that many of our children have been subjected to violence and sexual exploitation by some adults that are supposed to care for them and protect them. This is highly unacceptable and we shall continue to put up serious fight against these inhuman and ungodly practices by some unscrupulous elements in the society. We shall remain undaunted in our decision to continue to prosecute abusers of children’s right, especially those involved in sexual and other dehumanising abuses.

Governor Aiyedatiwa appreciated all the security agencies in the State for their very good working relationship and collaboration with the government and particularly the State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development on Child rights protection. He added that this healthy synergy has been responsible for the success achieved on child protection matters in the State in recent times, urging them to continue the good work.

While appreciating the teachers for their love and care for the children, the Governor charged them to always be model for moral excellence, to continue to put themselves in positions where the pupils/students under their care will see them as a very strong source of protection for their rights and against all forms of abuses.

He urged the children to be security conscious and be vigilant at all times, challenging them to be bold enough to report any suspicious movement around their home or school to their parents and teachers as the case may be for necessary prompt actions. He enjoin them to avoid bad companies and do not stay in places that are isolated where they can easily be objects of attack.

Earlier in her welcome address, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Deaconess Lola Fagbemi stated that Ministry is establish to advocating for women and promotion of gender equality.

Fagbemi appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for providing quality education for the children across the State. She urged the children to remember that they hold the key to their future and endeavor to build themselves, unlock their potentials

She acknowledged the educational instructors for a job well done, urging them to keep making themselves a role model for the children.

Speaking on the HPV vaccine, the Commissioner for health, Dr Banji Ajaka stated the vaccine is to prevent cancer of the cervix on female adults. He added that the HPV Vaccine has been flagged off by President Tinubu in October, 2023.

He stressed that cancer of the cervix is the is the second deadliest cancer in women in Nigeria, therefore must be prevented earlier. He added that the vaccine is free, safe and effective, girls from ages 9-14 will be targeted for the 5 days vaccination.

The schools present were ; St. Louis Grammar School, Akure, Oyemekun, grammar school, Akure, Acquinas College, Fiwasaye Grammar School, Akure High school, Adu memorial, Alakure comprehensive high school, Ondo State school of the intellectually impaired, Ondo State school of the physically impaired, Ondo State school of the hearing impaired, Ondo State school visually impaired, SUBEB model primary school, Baoku wisdom Primary school, among many others.

The highlight of the event Included march past by the students, cultural displays and dramas.

In attendance were, The Deputy Governor, Dr. Olayide Adelami, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Tayo Oluwatuyi, Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa, Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji, Head of Service, Mr Bayo Philip, members of the State executive council, Labour leaders, among other dignitaries.