Bayelsa Flags Off Immunization Campaign, Hails WHO, UNICEF, Rotary
OTUOKPOTI, OGBIA – Bayelsa State Government has flagged off a statewide immunization campaign, reaffirming its commitment to improving healthcare delivery and protecting residents from preventable diseases.
The exercise, held at Otuokpoti Community in Ogbia Local Government Area, marks the launch of the State Immunization Plus Days (SIPDs) and Routine Immunization Intensification Campaign.
Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, representing Governor Douye Diri, commended the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Rotary International, and other development partners for their vital role in advancing healthcare access across Bayelsa.
In a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Doubara Atasi, Senator Ewhrudjakpo attributed Bayelsa’s success in the health sector to the strong collaboration between the state government and its partners. He assured that the administration will continue to invest heavily in healthcare, immunization, and disease prevention.
The Deputy Governor called on parents, guardians, and religious groups to ensure that their children are immunized, emphasizing that vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to save lives. He urged parents to prioritize the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) vaccine for young girls to protect them against cervical cancer, which he described as a growing concern in Nigeria.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo also reaffirmed the government’s resolve to eliminate fake drugs and expired consumables in the state, pledging that enforcement measures will be sustained to safeguard public health. He commended local government chairmen, especially in Ogbia, for supporting health initiatives and announced that future flag-offs would be decentralized across all LGAs to encourage greater participation.
Encouraging residents to take part, the Deputy Governor said: “Our people should come out in large numbers for this exercise. Apart from the polio vaccine, we also have malaria and HPV vaccines available. It’s far cheaper to immunize your child than to treat diseases that could have been prevented.”
Bayelsa Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, noted that rotating flag-off ceremonies across LGAs will enhance grassroots education on immunization and strengthen public engagement. He commended Governor Diri and his deputy for driving a people-centered health vision aimed at increasing life expectancy in the state.
Representing the Obanobhan of Ogbia Kingdom, King Charles Dumaro Owaba, the Paramount Ruler of Anyama-Ogbia, Chief Sopana Amakiri-Agala, praised the government’s healthcare efforts but urged decisive action against fake drugs.
Faith leaders and community representatives, including CAN Chairman Very Rev. Father Joseph Opelema, Muslim community representative Rasheeda Abdulkareem, and Ogbia Brotherhood Woman Leader Lady Love Amaseimogha, pledged full support for the immunization drive.
Other dignitaries present were WHO State Coordinator Dr. Ntiense Omoette, Rotary International’s Dr. Ebitimitula Ogola, UNICEF’s Mr. Godswill Anthony, and Dr. Nzideka Anene of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria.
The highlight of the event was the symbolic administration of the oral polio vaccine to children by Senator Ewhrudjakpo, Prof. Brisibe, and Ogbia LGA Chairman Mr. Golden Jeremiah, marking the official commencement of the campaign.
