The Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWPHCDA) on Wednesday emerged victorious in a novelty football match against Play with Kwara Youth (PWKY) to officially flag off the Step-Up Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign in the state.
The friendly encounter, held at the KFA Field, George Innih Stadium, Ilorin, attracted health officials, youth groups, and sports enthusiasts who cheered passionately as both teams showcased impressive skills on the field.
Speaking after the match, Executive Secretary of KWPHCDA, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, expressed joy over the successful flag-off, describing it as a creative and unifying way to promote public health.
She emphasized that the Step-Up Measles-Rubella Campaign is part of the state government’s efforts to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases and strengthen immunization coverage across the state.
Elelu stressed that the vaccine is free, effective, and safe, urging the general public to take advantage of the government intervention and take the life-saving vaccines against preventable diseases.
“The novelty match not only celebrated teamwork and fitness but also served as a creative avenue to raise awareness about the importance of vaccination in safeguarding community health,” she stated.
She appreciated Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for granting resources and providing counterpart support for the Measles-Rubella vaccine introduction in the state, as well as creating an enabling atmosphere for the match to take place.
Convener of PWKY, Yusuf Mutiu, commended the health agency for finding PWKY worthy of hosting such an event of great importance.
He encouraged the youth of Kwara to continue on the mandate that PWKY was built on, to be recognized as agents of peace and unity.
Mutiu described PWKY as a non-competitive event and the only avenue for the youth of Kwara to foster unity irrespective of ethnic diversity, social status, religious, and political affiliation.
