Senator Ewhrudjakpo Flags Off State Immunization Plus Days in Otokpoti
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, on Friday flagged off the 2025 State Immunization Plus Days (SIPDs) at Otokpoti in Ogbia Local Government Area, with a symbolic vaccination to mark the official commencement of the exercise across the state.
The event, organised by the Bayelsa State Government through the Bayelsa State Primary Health Care Board, in collaboration with the Local Government Councils and development partners, would officially commence from October 18 to 21, 2025, across the eight local government areas of the state.
Speaking at the event, Senator Ewhrudjakpo described the exercise as a vital step toward improving child health and nutrition in Bayelsa, stressing that the Prosperity Administration remains committed to the well-being of all residents.
He said the programme is designed to take healthcare services directly to communities across the eight local government areas, ensuring that no child is left behind. According to him, the decision to hold the flag-off outside the state capital was deliberate to bring government closer to the people and better understand their needs.
“This government believes that the welfare of one is the welfare of all. We are taking this campaign from local government to local government and from community to community because we want to interact with our people and understand their challenges,” he said.
The Deputy Governor also emphasized the importance of proper nutrition among mothers and children, advising families to make use of locally available and affordable food sources. He noted that seafood, vegetables, and other indigenous foods often contain more nutrients than imported or expensive protein sources.
“Our campaign is not about bringing food but teaching people what to eat so that our children can grow healthier,” Ewhrudjakpo stated.
He directed the Ministry of Health and Local Government Health Departments to strengthen collaboration through the state’s nutrition unit to tackle cases of malnutrition, particularly among children in rural communities.
Sen. Ewhrudjakpo also assured that the government is addressing the issue of fake and expired drugs and food products in the state, warning that offenders would be prosecuted.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Professor Seiyefa Brisibe, commended the state government for sustaining its investment in child health, adding that the SIPDs were resuming after a three-year break. He urged parents and caregivers to take advantage of the exercise to ensure their children receive all necessary vaccines.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Appah Williams Weri, described the flag-off as a significant milestone in the state’s immunization drive. He explained that while routine immunization takes place weekly, the four-day campaign is a special intensification exercise aimed at reaching every eligible child across the eight local government areas.
Dr. Weri highlighted the introduction of the malaria vaccine for children aged five to 21 months and the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls aged nine to fourteen years to prevent cervical cancer. He added that the campaign also serves as early sensitization for the Measles-Rubella vaccination campaign scheduled to hold in January 2026, urging parents and caregivers to prepare ahead and ensure full participation.
In his contribution, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) in Bayelsa State, Rev. Fr. Joseph Opelema, said the Church was fully in support of vaccination campaigns and would sanction any pastor found discouraging members from participating.
Earlier, the Chairman of Ogbia Local Government Area, Hon. Golden Jeremiah, expressed gratitude to the state government and development partners for choosing his council for the official flag-off, assuring full support for the success of the exercise.
The State Immunization Plus Days initiative aims to strengthen routine immunization, improve nutrition awareness, and protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases across all local government areas of the state.
His Royal Majesty, Dumaro Charles Owaba Obanobhan III of Ogbia Kingdom, and other stakeholders also graced the event.
