FLAG OFF OF MEASLES AND MENINGITIS VACCINATION CAMPAIGN AT OKENE LGA OF KOGI STATE

The bustling city of Okene was agog in very high spirits as the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency selected the LGA for flag off of the Measles and Meningitis vaccination campaign on Thursday 8^th October, 2020. The sages say, “Charity begins at home” and Dr Abubakar Yakubu – Executive Director KGSPHCDA and a son of the soil was home for the event.

The flag off ceremony was done by Her Excellency, Hajiya Rashida Bello – The First Lady of Kogi State who was represented by the DLG Okene LGA, Hajiya Hawawu Anda. In her address, the First Lady appreciated the excellent performances and collaborative efforts of the State Ministry of Health and Primary Health Care Development Agency in their job of health care service delivery in the State with particular applause and commendation of the SPHCDA for primary health care services to people at the grass root.

Her Excellency reiterated the fact that both Measles and Meningitis are diseases that can lead to life threatening complications and should not be toyed with. She called on Parents and caregivers to ensure that children of the target ages are made available for immunization noting that it is a collective responsibility of all stakeholders.

The Hon Commissioner for Health – Dr Saka Haruna Audu who was also represented by the Permanent Secretary SMOH – Alh Babamaaji Abubakar Danlami said the Government was committed to making sure that no child suffered from Measles and Meningitis and urged the people to come out en masse with every eligible child for immunization.

Earlier, the Executive Director KGSPHCDA – Dr Abubakar Yakubu in his address, appreciated the unflinching efforts and support of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kogi State – Gov Yahaya Adoza Bello to primary health care activities and expressed believe that the Government will do more in the years to come for the people of Kogi State. He also expressed immense gratitude to National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Development Partners and the Traditional institution for their tireless contributions in funding, logistics, and moral support to ensure quality implementation of campaigns such as this. He therefore appealed to the people to take utmost advantage of this vaccination campaign to further strengthen the immunity of our children especially of these diseases, more so that the vaccines are given free of charge.

Delivering a goodwill message at the event on behalf of the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland – HRM Alhaji Ado Ibrahim, the Obabanyi of Ihima – Adai Onimisi thanked the State Government and Partners for their commitment to quality healthcare services to the people. He promised that the Traditional institution will collaborate to sensitize and mobilize the people to present children of target age for the immunization.

The entourage of the State delegation thereafter paid homage to the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland – Alhaji Ado Ibrahim in his palace.

The ED KGSPHCDA – Dr Abubakar Yakubu could not but extol the virtues of the Royal Father for his role in the success of the day’s event as it was seen by the mass turn out of Royalty at the flag off ceremony. It was obvious that the Royal Fathers would not let down their own but give massive support in their own way to their son (Dr Abubakar Yakubu) who has distinguished himself from others. Little wonder Dr Yakubu broke out in melodious tune to appreciate his people for the large turnout in solidarity of his humble contributions to their wellbeing.

The PS SMOH – Alh Babammaji A. Danlami in his brief remarks at the Palace, said the Government and development Partners is on a mission to justify the huge investment on health, therefore all stakeholders must be involved in ensuring that the people remain healthy through vaccination and maintenance of Routine immunization.

The Ohinoyi in response, appreciated the Government for the works recorded and launch of the Measles and Meningitis vaccination campaign in his domain. He encouraged all concerned to be diligent in their work as health services are essential to all and sundry in the nation. All efforts he said, must be put to use and not left to die stressing that not doing something or doing it half-hazardly  will fail.

The Obabanyi of Ihima – Adai Onimisi appreciated the State team for the honour to visit HRM, the Ohinoyi of Ebiraland and that the blessings of the Royal Father will always be upon them. He prayed for journey mercies as the team returned to Lokoja.