The wife of the Ekiti State Governor, Olayemi Oyebanji, has called for intensified efforts, including widespread sensitisation and community mobilisation, to boost Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine coverage across the state.
Speaking on Thursday during the official launch of the OYA Campaign on HPV Vaccination and Adolescent Nutrition in Ado-Ekiti, Oyebanji revealed that over 266,000 girls aged 9 to 14 have so far received the HPV vaccine in the state.
Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Peju Babafemi, the governor’s wife emphasised the life-saving potential of the vaccine. “HPV vaccine remains one of the most effective tools in our collective fight against cervical cancer a disease that continues to claim lives, especially among women, despite being preventable,” she said.
The event was organised by Girl Effect, in partnership with the Ekiti State Primary Health Care Development Agency (PHCDA). In recognition of her leadership and dedication to adolescent health, Girl Effect honoured Oyebanji with the title of ‘Mother of the State: HPV Vaccination Vanguard Award’.
Oyebanji recalled launching the HPV vaccination campaign on May 27, 2024, and applauded the collaborative efforts of health workers, government agencies, development partners, and parents for making the campaign a success. However, she stressed that the mission was far from over, and urged stakeholders not to relent until every eligible girl is reached.
Ekiti State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oyebanji Filani, also praised the campaign, calling for sustained mobilisation and awareness efforts. Addressing an audience that included students, community leaders, and women’s groups, he said, “We must seize this opportunity to increase HPV vaccine coverage for the future of our girls and our society.”
Girl Effect’s Country Director, Boladale Akin-Kolapo, described the initiative as a powerful movement. “This is more than a campaign — it’s a revolution built on the belief that empowering a girl means empowering an entire nation,” she said.
Chairperson of the PHCDA, Dr Funke Ogunbunmi, highlighted the broader impact of the campaign, linking HPV vaccination to long-term health and wellbeing for girls and women. “HPV can cause cervical cancer and lead to psychological distress. Preventing such outcomes through vaccination is a step toward building a healthier society,” she stated, urging all eligible girls to get vaccinated.
Also present at the event were Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, Head of Service of Ekiti State; Bimpe Aderiye, Commissioner for Education; and representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, and Solina Health. They commended the initiative and pledged continued support to ensure the success of the HPV vaccination campaign in the state.
