Dr. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Lagos State Governor, has officially inaugurated the Measles Rubella Vaccination (MRV) Campaign.
She urged parents, guardians, and community influencers to ensure that every child eligible receives the immunization.
The campaign kickoff featured a public awareness march starting from the Lagos State Secretariat in Alausa, proceeding along Obafemi Awolowo Way to Allen Roundabout in Ikeja, followed by a strategic meeting with key stakeholders at Lagos House, Alausa.
Highlighting the initiative, Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasized that this campaign embodies the State Government’s commitment to securing the health and future of children, as well as protecting future generations from diseases that can be prevented.
She reminded attendees that Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu had sanctioned counterpart funding for the campaign on August 18, 2025, demonstrating his steadfast dedication to enhancing child healthcare and fortifying the state’s medical infrastructure.
“The Governor’s endorsement is a clear indication of his deep concern for child welfare and the State Government’s determination to eradicate preventable illnesses,” the First Lady remarked.
She framed the campaign as a shared societal duty, spearheaded through the Governor’s Spouses Forum Initiative and strongly supported by the Centre for Well-being and Integrated Nutrition Solutions (C-WINS).
Dr. Sanwo-Olu cautioned about the severe risks posed by measles and rubella, both highly infectious diseases that can lead to blindness, neurological damage, hearing loss, congenital disabilities, or even fatality. She explained that the MR vaccine offers dual protection, saves lives, lowers healthcare expenses, and improves children’s overall well-being.
“This vaccine is intended for children aged 9 months to 14 years. Administering two doses can achieve up to 85% immunity. While minor side effects such as fever or rash may occur, serious adverse reactions are uncommon. The advantages significantly outweigh any temporary discomfort,” she stressed.
The First Lady reassured parents that the vaccines would be provided free of charge, guaranteed safe, and accessible at all government health centers and schools throughout Lagos State starting January 2026. She also called on educational institutions to collaborate fully to ensure comprehensive coverage.
A highlight of the event was the First Lady’s formal appointment of distinguished traditional rulers and religious figures as Vaccination Ambassadors. Among those inaugurated were the Oba of Lagos, the Oniru of Iruland, the Onigando of Igando, the paramount ruler of Igbogbo, the Oniba of Iba, the Bale of Marine Beach, the Chief Imam of Lagos, the Lagos Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the Iya Oloja General, and the Eze Ndigbo, among others.
“When cultural heritage, tradition, and scientific knowledge unite, progress becomes unstoppable. With the endorsement of our royal leaders and community heads, we are optimistic that vaccine acceptance will rise and hesitancy will decline,” she concluded.
