By Atoyebi Nike
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has pledged full support for the upcoming nationwide Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign, calling on Nigerians to rally behind the initiative to protect the nation’s children.
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the traditional ruler stressed the urgent need for collective action, noting that measles and rubella remain real threats to children’s lives but are preventable through vaccination.
“This campaign is not just another government event, it’s a national call to protect our future,” he said, endorsing the campaign led by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).
Scheduled for October 2025, the campaign will target children between nine months and 14 years old, aiming to significantly reduce child mortality and improve health outcomes across Nigeria.
The Ooni called on parents, school authorities, religious leaders, and fellow traditional rulers to mobilize their communities, dispel vaccine myths, and ensure widespread participation.
“We did it during COVID-19, and we can do it again. I pledge the full support of traditional institutions nationwide to ensure this message reaches every home,” he said.
The campaign is part of Nigeria’s commitment to eliminating measles and rubella, in line with global health and sustainable development goals. The monarch’s endorsement is expected to bolster trust and participation, especially in rural areas.
