The Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, Hon. (Dr.) Babatunde Oyetola Diya, has officially flagged off the Measles and Rubella vaccination exercise for children aged 0–14 years across the Local Government Area.
The programme commenced at the Idowu Primary Health Care Centre, Idowa Ward 8, as part of efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare and protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hon. Diya recalled that during the electioneering campaign, his administration promised to deliver free and accessible healthcare services to the people. In fulfilment of that pledge, the Local Government introduced the “Iwosan Tunde” free medical outreach, during which over 3,000 residents were screened for high blood pressure, blood sugar and related ailments, with free drugs distributed to beneficiaries. The exercise also provided 500 residents with free health insurance cards.
The Chairman noted that his administration has procured essential medical equipment and rehabilitated all Primary Health Care Centres across Odogbolu Local Government. According to him, any serious government must prioritise affordable, accessible and quality healthcare, thanking God for the milestones recorded since assuming office in November 2024.
Hon. Diya expressed appreciation to the President for lowering the age for HPV immunisation to nine years in order to protect young people from the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), a major cause of cervical cancer, through the Honourable Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Pate. He also commended Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, CON, and the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, for their support, which has led to the rehabilitation of many Primary Health Care facilities across the Local Government.
He further urged pregnant women and caregivers to take antenatal care and routine immunisation seriously and to make proper use of available health services.
The Chairman specially thanked the people of Idowa, particularly Dr. Tosin Ajayi (DG, DSS) and the Dagburewe of Idowa, for their support in making the Idowa PHC one of the best centres in the LGA. He formally kicked off the vaccination exercise by administering the first dose to a child alongside the Health Secretary, Dr. Olusan Oluwaseun.
The event attracted key political and administrative stakeholders, including Hon. Adesina Wasiu Adewale, Councillor, Ward 8; Hon. Taofeek Oyetunji, Councillor, Ward 5; Hon. Muritala Tijani, former Councillor, Ward 5; Hon. Balogun Nurudeen, Special Adviser; Hon. Noibi Rahman Olusada, Supervisor for Special Duties; and Hon. Olufemi Moses Adesanya, Supervisor for Health, Environment and Sanitation.
Others present were Alhaja Abdullahi Toyin, Ward Leader; Mrs. Oyebode Ganiyat, Ward Chairperson; and Prince Adeleke Adebajo, General Manager, Public-Private Partnership, ODLG.
Health officials in attendance included Dr. Olusan Oluwaseun, Health Secretary; Mrs. Okusanya Dipeola, Health Educator; Mrs. Shittu, LIO; Mrs. Adegbushi Adenike, CLO; Mrs. Temiyemi Oluwakemi Oyaluade, representing the LGA CHAN Consultant; Pharm. Bamgbose Temitope; MLS Taiwo Oluwaseun; and all 15 Ward Focal Persons.
Traditional rulers and chiefs present included the Dagburewe of Idowa, HRH Oba (Barr.) Sikiru Kayode Adefuwape Okuribido Okulote II (Anowoneyo IV); Chief Lapekun Osonaike (JP); Chief Rafiu Sakiru Adeniyi (Bobadara); Chief S.A. Onalajo Tayese; and Chief Tola Adebambo, Olootu, among others.