September 09, 2025
There was excitement on Wednesday as the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWPHCDA) emerged victorious in a novelty football match against Play with Kwara Youth.
The friendly encounter, held at the KFA Field, George Innih Stadium, Ilorin, marked the official flag-off of the Step-Up Measles-Rubella Vaccination Campaign in the state.
Speaking after the match, Executive Secretary, 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 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 while urging the general public to take advantage of the govt intervention and take the life saving vaccines against preventable diseases.
She appreciated Gov AbdulRahman AbddulRazaq for granting resources and the counterpart support to have Measles-Rubella vaccine introduction in the state, and also for providing an atmosphere for the match to take place.
She added that 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.
Convener of PWKY, Yusuf Mutiu commended the health agency for finding PWKY worthy of hosting such event of great importance. He encouraged youth of kwara to continue on the mandate that PWKY was built on, for them be recognized as agent of peace and unity.
He described PWKY as a non competitive event and the only avenue for youth of kwara to foster unity irrespective of ethnic diversity, social status, religious, and political affiliation.
The event attracted health officials, youth groups, and sports enthusiasts, who cheered passionately as both teams showcased impressive skills on the field.