By Precious Oluwole

The Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA) honored family planning clients and immunization champions on Monday at an event held at Ifedore Local Government Secretariat in Igbara-Oke.

Attendees included various family planning clients and nursing mothers from the local government area.

In his address, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Banji Ajaka described the celebration as a novel initiative by the Ondo State government, spearheaded by the OSPHCDA.

Represented by Dr. Simidele Odimayo, the Special Adviser on Health to Governor Aiyedatiwa, Ajaka highlighted the champions as symbols of health, empowerment, and progress.

He elaborated on the broader impacts of family planning and immunization, stressing their importance t o individual choice, community health, and societal prosperity.

He said “Family planning is not just about contraception. It is about choice; it empowers individuals and families to decide when and how many children to have, thereby enabling them to pursue their dreams, support their families, and contribute meaningfully to the society. By embracing family planning, our champions are not only investing in their own futures but also in the prosperity of generations to come”

Ajaka called on the champions to continue their advocacy for family planning and immunization within their communities. He reaffirmed Governor Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to ensuring universal access to quality healthcare services, acknowledging the governor’s substantial support and investment in the state’s health sector.

The Permanent Secretary of OSPHCDA, Dr Francis Akanbiemu appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for his support and for creating an enabling environment for this first-of-its-kind celebration. He encouraged the champions to continue promoting family planning and immunization, noting that the event was designed to motivate and recognize their efforts.

Akanbiemu emphasized that the program was designed to enhance service delivery, improve the overall health of mothers and children in the state and encourage more women to embrace family planning and immunization. He used the forum to announce that the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccination would commence on May 27th for five days, targeting girls between ages 9-14.

The event also featured commendations from Mrs. Modupe Dosunmu, a representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), who praised the state government initiatives and the champions for their dedication.

Dr. Adedayo Fayanju, the Primary Health Care Coordinator for Ifedore Local Government, expressed his joy at hosting the celebration, deeming it a significant step towards widespread acceptance of family planning and immunization in the state.

Oba Raphael Oluwadare, the Adapogun of Ipogun, appreciated Governor Aiyedatiwa for the initiative and encouraged women to embrace family planning and proper immunization.

The champions, singing various songs in appreciation, thanked Governor Aiyedatiwa and OSPHCDA for the program, promising to continue advocating for family planning and immunization in their communities. Twenty champions were rewarded for their efforts in promoting the health of the nation through family planning and immunization.