HON IDRIS KUSIMO FLAGS OFF IMMUNIZATION IN IFO LGA , CALLS FOR COOPERATION OF ALL STAKEHOLDERS

The Executive Chairman, Ifo Local Government, Hon. Idris Kusimo, officially flagged off a crucial round of immunization on Saturday, June 28, 2025, at Ijoko Lemode, Oke-Aro Ward. The campaign, which runs from Saturday, June 28th to Tuesday, July 1st, 2025, will administer the Polio vaccine and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to eligible children across the Council Area.  

During the flag-off ceremony, Hon. Kusimo, codenamed the campaign 

"Keep Polio at Zero Level in Ifo LG" urged parents and guardians to ensure their children participate in the exercise, emphasizing the importance of immunization in eradicating polio and preventing cervical cancer.  

According to Hon. Kusimo, the polio vaccine is for children aged zero to five years, while the HPV vaccine is specifically for the girl-child at nine years old, he stated, "this initiative is a collaborative effort between the Local, State, and Federal Governments to safeguard our children’s health. We must all work together to kick polio out of Ifo Local Government and protect our children from polio, cervical cancer and other related transmissible diseases". 

The HPV vaccine, which prevents cervical cancer, is a significant addition to the immunization programme, aligning with global efforts to reduce cancer-related deaths among women.

Mrs. Shakirat Omowunmi Kusimo, the First Lady of Ifo Local Government, played a key role in supporting her husband's initiative, demonstrating her strong commitment to improving children's health and well-being in the area. She stood alongside Hon. Kusimo to flag off the programme. 

Mrs. Stella Erugo, a representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), commended the progress made in polio eradication but stressed that more work is needed to be done.  

According to her, UNICEF has recorded significant improvement in stemming the spread of polio in Nigeria, but stated that the agency will not relent until the country is completely polio-free, she said that the agency remains committed to supporting government efforts at all levels to ensure that every child is protected from vaccine-preventable diseases.  

The immunization campaign will hold across various health centers, designated posts while some workers will also move from house to house within the Council Area. Health workers have been mobilized to ensure seamless vaccine administration, and community leaders are encouraged to mobilize parents for full participation.

Hon. Kusimo expressed gratitude to the State and Federal Governments, UNICEF, and other partners for their support and called on residents to take advantage of the exercise for a healthier community.  

In attendance at the flag off ceremony were Dr. Olalekan Oke, Health Secretary, Ifo Local Government Health Authority, staff of the Health Authority and other key political and career officers of the Local Government. 

Kush Media