By Our Reporter 
The Edo State Government, through the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, in collaboration with the Oredo Local Government Council, the Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency, and the World Health Organization (WHO), has officially flagged off the 2026 Children’s Health Week Vaccination Exercise in Benin City.
Speaking at the event, the Coordinator of the Office of the First Lady, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that vaccines reach every child across the state. She noted that the initiative aligns with the SHINE agenda of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo.
She also commended the World Health Organization for its longstanding efforts in combating diseases such as polio and measles.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, described vaccination as a proven, science-based intervention that has significantly reduced the prevalence of preventable diseases.
He urged parents, caregivers, and community leaders to support the exercise by ensuring that all eligible children are immunized.
Also speaking, the Chairman of Oredo Local Government Council, Hon. Engr. Gabriel Iduseri, represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Oke Joseph, lauded the Edo State Government and the Office of the First Lady for the initiative.
He pledged the Council’s full support through sustained public enlightenment campaigns and outreach programmes, including visits by health officials to schools across the Local Government Area.
He emphasized the importance of immunization in safeguarding children’s health, reiterating that prevention remains better than cure.
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the Immunization Champion Award to Her Excellency, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, in recognition of her outstanding contributions to child healthcare in Edo State.