OFFICIAL FLAG-OFF OF MEASLES-RUBELLA VACCINE BY LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT IN IBEJU-LEKKI LOCAL GOVERNMENT

As part of measures embarked on to ensure prevention of avoidable diseases and mitigate against the highly contagious Measles and Rubella disease amongst children age between 9 Months -14 years. The Measles and Rubella disease which is capable of causing blindness, brain damage, deafness, birth defects and death has made ibeju-Lekki Local Government in partnership with Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), flagged off the Measles-Rubella Vaccination on Monday 27th January, 2026 and will run till February 5, 2026. The Official Flagged-Off which took place at the Ibeju-Lekki Local Government Secretariat, Igando-Oloja, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos. In his welcome address, the host of the event, the Executive Chairman of ibeju-Lekki Local Government and Chairman Conference 57, Hon.(Engr) Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, noted that the Measles-Rubella Vaccine is effective and safe and globally proven and accepted to curb the spread of deadly diseases like Measles and Rubella and others. He affirmed that the (MR) Vaccine has saved several lives globally and remains one of the most effective vaccine in public health. He emphasised that when children are vaccinated they are protected and when vaccination is administered to the right children, communities are protected. Her Excellency Dr. Mrs Claudiana ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, First Lady of Lagos State, who was ably represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Mrs.Oluremi Hamzat, reaffirmed the importance of the statewide Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign which was scheduled to commence today. In her Keynote address, the First Lady, noted that under the purposeful leadership of Mr.Governor, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, healthcare in Lagos State is firmly recognised as a right, and not a priviledge. Speaking further, she noted that, with the THEMES+ Agenda, the administration has made strategic investments in Primary Health Care, Maternal and Child Health, Citing that preventive healthcare is the foundation of a resilient and inclusive health system. She emphasized her consistent efforts towards advocating for the health, dignity, and wellbeing of women and children, stressing that the administration will continues to translate advocacy into actionable policies and measurable outcomes. She reaffirmed that Today's flag-off is a call to action and a collective responsibility. She implored Local Government leaders at the grassroots, traditional and religious leaders, Market Leaders and Women Leaders to champion the Vaccine Confidence within their respective space of influence and ensure absolute cooperation with health workers assigned to administered the Measles and Rubella Vaccine. Speaking further, she charged health workers to exhibit a high level of professionalism and compassion, and urged parents and caregivers to ensure that all eligible children are fully immunised. Lastly, she reaffirmed Lagos State's unwavering commitment to continue to prioritise healthcare, protect its most vulnerable citizens and build a future where every child can survive, thrive, and succeed. Finally, the Permanent Secretary of Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustapha, emphasized that immunization remains the only means to mitigate against avoidable viral diseases and cost effective public health intervention. He charged parents and caregivers to render full support by cooperating with health workers by presenting all eligible children for the Measles- Rubella Vaccination. Attendees at the Event are The EXecutive Chairman, Hon. (Engr.) Abdullahi Sesan Olowa, Vice Chairman, Hon. Isiaka Yusuf Olatunji, The Executive Chairman, Lekki LCDA, Representative of Lagos State First Lady, Dr. Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, Permanent Secretaries, Cowsol Members, Health Workers, Directors at Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, Students, Parents and Caregivers, Tradition Royal Fathers, Baale in Council, Representative, Legue of Imams Representative, CDA Chairman, Iya Oloja General of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Alhaja Elemoro, Women Leader, Students Representative, amongst other dignitaries.