The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has declared his full support for the Federal Government’s upcoming national Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign, calling on traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community influencers to mobilize Nigerians for the nationwide rollout.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the monarch emphasized the urgency and importance of the vaccination campaign, which will officially launch in October under the leadership of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) in collaboration with key health stakeholders.
“Measles and Rubella are not distant problems; they are real threats affecting our families and taking young lives. The good news is that these diseases are vaccine-preventable,” the Ooni said.
He noted that the campaign targets the vaccination of children aged 9 months to 14 years, stressing that it is not just a health intervention but a vital step toward securing the nation’s future.
“This is a call to action for all Nigerians. The rollout of the Measles-Rubella vaccine is expected to significantly reduce childhood mortality and improve our national health indicators,” he added.
Ooni Ogunwusi urged parents, caregivers, school authorities, and community leaders to ensure full participation, warning against complacency and misinformation.
“I fully endorse this campaign. I’m calling on everyone to make sure our children are vaccinated. Our traditional institutions will also be activated to ensure the message reaches every household.”
He further appealed to fellow monarchs, clerics, and other influencers to dispel myths and help build public trust in the immunization programme.
“Let’s educate, let’s mobilize, and let’s protect. We’ve done this before during COVID-19; we can do it again. I assure the NPHCDA of our continued support for all their public health initiatives,” he said.
The Measles-Rubella campaign is part of Nigeria’s broader strategy to eliminate both diseases in line with global health goals and the Sustainable Development Agenda. The initiative has received widespread backing from government agencies and international health partners.
The Ooni’s endorsement is expected to boost public confidence and uptake, especially in rural and underserved communities, where traditional leaders play a pivotal role in community mobilization.
