The Ifo Local Government Health Authority has renewed its commitment to strengthening routine immunisation through an intensified campaign to boost uptake of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine. The exercise, aimed primarily at protecting girls aged nine (9) years against cervical cancer, was formally launched on Thursday, 13th November 2025, at the Agbado Primary Healthcare Centre.
The event marked a major step in the Local Government’s preventive healthcare agenda, especially as the HPV vaccine—introduced a few years ago—initially faced low acceptance. The revitalised campaign seeks to expand awareness and improve coverage across all communities in Ifo Local Government Area.
A significant highlight of the ceremony was the formal decoration of the First Lady and Chairperson of Ifo Local Government, Mrs. Shakirat Omowunmi Kusimo, as the Ifo LGA HPV Vaccination Champion. Her appointment reflects the critical role of community leadership in promoting child health and advancing long-term protection for young girls across the Local Government.
In her acceptance speech, Mrs. Kusimo reaffirmed her dedication to driving widespread awareness and acceptance of the HPV vaccine. She emphasised that early vaccination remains one of the most effective strategies for preventing cervical cancer and other HPV-related conditions. She further noted that the vaccine is safe, effective, and best administered before the onset of sexual activity, hence the focus on girls aged nine.
The First Lady commended the support of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, whose administration continues to prioritise preventive healthcare services for residents. She also acknowledged the steadfast commitment of the Executive Chairman of Ifo Local Government, Hon. Idris Olalekan Kusimo, particularly in a Council Area known as one of the most populous in Ogun State with substantial healthcare demands.
Mrs. Kusimo expressed profound appreciation to the Ifo Local Government Health Authority for the honour of appointing her as Vaccination Champion. She pledged to collaborate closely with all stakeholders to ensure full acceptance of the HPV vaccine and to strengthen participation in routine immunisation programmes. She urged parents, teachers, religious and community leaders, and caregivers to support the intensification exercise and ensure all eligible girls are vaccinated—free of charge.
Earlier, in his welcome address, the Ifo Local Government Health Secretary, Dr. Olalekan Oke, commended His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, for prioritising cervical cancer prevention in the State. He also recognised the invaluable contributions of development partners and the Ogun State Primary Healthcare Board in reinforcing the vaccination initiative.
The formal decoration of Mrs. Kusimo as the HPV Vaccination Champion was performed by Mrs. O. O. Balogun of Pathfinder Foundation, Ogun State, assisted by the Supervisor for Health in Ifo LGA, Hon. Seyi Ijale.
The ceremony drew stakeholders from the health, education and community sectors. Attendees included Hon. Seyi Ijale; Mrs. O. O. Balogun and Mr. Udeme of Pathfinder Foundation; a representative of the Zonal Education Office; and staff of the Ifo Local Government Health Authority.
The intensified HPV vaccination exercise forms part of broader efforts to reduce the burden of cervical cancer and improve long-term health outcomes for girls across Ifo Local Government and Ogun State at large.
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