Obong of Calabar and Treaty King of the Efik Kingdom, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, flagging off the NIPDs 1 week.
By Kingsley Agim
The Obong of Calabar and Treaty King of the Efik Kingdom, His Eminence Edidem Ekpo Okon Abasi Otu V, has officially flagged off the 2025 edition of the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs 1) and Africa Vaccination Week in Cross River State.
The Obong called on parents and community leaders to embrace immunization as a sacred responsibility toward children’s health.
The flag-off ceremony, which took place on Friday, May 2, at the Primary Health Centre, Adiabo Ikot Itu Ibuot in Odukpani Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, brought together traditional rulers, health officials, development partners like the World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), GAVI, Zipline, and community members in a show of unity for child health.
In his remarks, the revered monarch praised the evolution of primary healthcare in Nigeria and commended both state and federal health authorities for prioritizing child health through accessible vaccination programs.
“It is a thing of joy to host this event in my local government. Immunization is the foundation for raising healthy, productive citizens. I commend our partners and health workers for ensuring no child is left behind,” the Obong said before officially flagging off the campaign.
The Chairman of Odukpani LGA, Hon. Etim Asido, emphasized the campaign’s life-saving potential, drawing from personal experience. “Exclusive breastfeeding and immunization have kept my children healthy and hospital-free. I urge all parents to do the same—it’s a decision you will never regret,” he stated.
He explained that exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life, as recommended by the WHO, and routine immunization protect children against common yet deadly diseases like pneumonia, diarrhea, polio, and measles. “This campaign is not just a health program—it’s a call to responsible parenting,” Asido stressed.
Cross River State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, revealed that the state boasts one of the highest immunization coverage rates in Nigeria—above 75 percent.
However, he noted gaps in specific localities like Odukpani, which necessitated choosing it as the venue for the flag-off. “We have mobilized communities, churches, and traditional leaders to ensure that no child is missed. With the support of His Excellency the Governor and partners, we will reach even the hard-to-access areas,” Ayuk said.
In her opening remarks, Otu, Director General of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA), Dr. Vivien Mesembe, highlighted the strategic convergence of NIPDs and Africa Vaccination Week under the theme “Immunization for All is Humanly Possible.” She acknowledged the presence of the Obong of Calabar as pivotal in galvanizing trust and participation.
“His Eminence’s involvement bridges cultural heritage with public health. His voice carries weight, and his support ensures deeper community engagement. Immunization is not just a health measure—it is a shield for our children’s future,” she said.
She lauded development partners like WHO, UNICEF, GAVI, Zipline, and others for their support in making vaccines accessible, while also encouraging parents and caregivers to take advantage of the campaign, saying, “Cross River is leading nationally in immunization, but we still have zero-dose children in hard-to-reach areas. We are here to change that”.
The State Coordinator of the WHO, Dr. Rebecca Olatunde, provided an overview of Africa Vaccination Week, urging mothers not to delay vaccination for any reason.
“Every child under five deserves the opportunity to be vaccinated. Denying that is a crime. Even if you are going to the market or the farm, let the child be vaccinated first,” she pleaded.
The event also featured goodwill messages from several key partners, including the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, the World Health Organization (WHO), AFINET, Breakthrough Action, SYDANI Group, Humanity Without Borders (HUWIB), and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Nursing Education, Mrs. Uduak Spencer Efem, all expressing renewed commitments from to strengthen routine immunization, ensure zero-dose children are reached, and promote exclusive breastfeeding practices across all communities in Cross River State.
High points of the event were the donation of N50,000 each by the Health Commissioner, on behalf of Governor Bassey Otu, to couples whose husbands accompanied their wives to the event as a way of encouragement; donation of N50,000 each to mothers who bore twins; as well as presentation of packs to nursing mothers by the Humanity Without Borders team.