The wife of the Executive Chairman of Somolu Local Government, Hon. Mrs Shakirat Ashimi, has officially flagged off the 2025 Polio Outbreak Response (OBR) Immunisation Campaign in Somolu, with a passionate call to parents and guardians to ensure that every eligible child receives the polio vaccine.
The 4-day exercise, which commenced on Saturday, 8th November 2025 at the Ambode Primary Healthcare Centre, brought together health officials, community leaders, and political office holders. The initiative is part of the government’s continued efforts to eradicate the poliovirus and safeguard the health of children in the community.
While addressing participants at the flag-off ceremony, Hon. Mrs Ashimi emphasised the importance of immunisation in preventing child mortality and curbing the resurgence of preventable diseases. She stressed that no child should be left behind in the ongoing vaccination campaign.
She continued, “It’s important for every parent and guardian to take this exercise seriously. The polio vaccine is free, safe, and effective. Our children are the leaders of tomorrow, and it is our responsibility to protect them from diseases that can affect their future. Failure to have them vaccinated might affect their ability to walk and other vital organs.” She stated.
In her remarks, the Medical Officer of Health, Somolu local government, Dr Bidemi Agboola, explained that the first phase of polio outbreak response exercise flagged off by the first Lady of Somolu Local Government, Mrs. Ashimi is designed to cover all children under the age of five noting that her present and support would encouraged parents to trust and cooperate fully with health officials by allowing their children to be vaccinated.
“The exercise is actually put together to vaccinate children from age 0-5years mainly to safeguard children against poliovirus. And having the First Lady of Somolu Local Goverment flagging off the exercise is bold statement that will make the parents and guardian to have trust and embrace what the local and state government is doing as far as the exercise is concerned. This is not a one-time effort, but part of a continuous exercise to achieve total eradication of polio in our community,” Dr. Agboola said.
The event featured the symbolic administration of oral polio vaccines to some children by the First Lady, marking the official commencement of the campaign.
The Somolu Local Government Polio Outbreak Response (OBR) is expected to last 4 days, during which health workers will visit schools, markets, churches, mosques, and homes to ensure that every child under five is immunised.
Hon. Mrs Ashimi concluded her address with a heartfelt appeal to community members to spread the message of vaccination, noting that collective effort is vital to maintaining a polio-free society.
“Together, we can keep Somolu and Nigeria safe from polio. Let’s protect our children today for a healthier tomorrow,” she said.