The ongoing Measles–Rubella (MR) vaccination campaign in Nigeria is a crucial public health initiative designed to protect children from two highly contagious viral diseases that can lead to severe complications, lifelong disability, and even death. Measles can cause pneumonia, brain swelling, blindness, and death, while rubella poses serious risks to pregnant women, often resulting in miscarriage or birth defects. The vaccine is safe, effective, and targeted mainly at children between 9 months and 14 years, helping to build strong immunity and prevent outbreaks.

On Monday, 2 February 2026, the Executive Chairman of Odi-Olowo/Ojuwoye Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Seyi Jakande, led vaccination teams to both private and public schools within the council area as part of the exercise.

The team visited Masterpiece Nursery and Primary School and Ilupeju Secondary School, where the Chairman supervised the vaccination process and interacted with school administrators, teachers, pupils, and students to ensure smooth coordination.

Speaking with Mushin residents, Hon. Jakande commended parents and guardians for supporting the exercise by allowing their children and wards to be immunized.

“I sincerely appreciate parents for giving their consent for their children to receive this vaccine. As you may recall, we sensitized parents during our stakeholders’ engagement. It is safe and essential for their healthy future. Protecting our children from preventable diseases is a responsibility we all share,” he said.

He also appealed for continued collaboration as the exercise expands beyond the schools.

“I seek maximum cooperation from parents and school administrators as the vaccination teams move from house to house and school to school. This collective effort will help us reach every eligible child and keep our community safe,” the Chairman added.

He reassured the children in a friendly manner, easing their fears and emphasizing that the vaccination would help keep them strong and healthy.

The Medical Officer of Health (MOH), Dr. Abiola Afolami, stressed the broader importance of childhood immunization.

“The measles-rubella vaccine protects children from infections that can have serious health consequences. Measles is highly contagious, while rubella can affect the brain and overall development of a child. This makes the vaccine very important for a healthy future. Parents must also ensure their children complete all routine vaccinations from birth. The early years of a child’s life, especially before the age of two, are critical for brain development,” she explained.

She added that the exercise is aimed at protecting children’s future from viruses or infections that may occur during their growth stage and affect their developmental process.

She also advised that the girl child should receive the HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer later in life.

Present with the Chairman were the Vice Chairman of the Council, Hon. Niyi Awodogan, the Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Lekan Adeyi, and other councillors.

To ensure proper monitoring and avoid double vaccination, children who received the vaccine were marked and issued vaccination cards to present to their parents or guardians at home.

The outreach underscores the council’s commitment to safeguarding child health and highlights the power of community cooperation in preventing disease and securing a healthier future for the next generation.