The Olowu of Owu Kingdom, Oba (Prof.) Saka Matemilola, has renewed his commitment to raising awareness on cervical cancer prevention, declaring that promoting the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination among young girls is key to safeguarding their future and ensuring safe motherhood.
Oba Matemilola made this known during a capacity-building programme held at his palace in Oke-Ago Owu, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The event was organised by Pathfinder International, Nigeria, in partnership with the Ogun State Primary Health Care Development Board (PHCDB) and Family Health Initiative Ogun (FAHIO).
The monarch, who is also a recognized HPV Mega Champion, described the campaign against cervical cancer as a cause dear to his heart. He praised the Federal and Ogun State Governments, as well as development partners and NGOs, for their ongoing efforts to eliminate cervical cancer in Nigeria.
“This training is a laudable initiative. The importance and benefits of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine cannot be overemphasized,” Oba Matemilola said. “The suffering, loss of life, and financial burden cancer imposes are devastating. Myself and the chiefs in this kingdom will intensify awareness campaigns to encourage parents and caregivers to vaccinate girls from the age of nine.”
He called on all stakeholders — families, communities, and institutions — to join forces in promoting access to the vaccine, which he stressed is vital in preventing the deadly disease.
Representing the Executive Secretary of the PHCDB, Dr. Elijah Ogunsola, at the event, Dr. Salmot Sanni disclosed that the HPV vaccine has now been integrated into Nigeria’s routine immunization schedule. She emphasized that the vaccine is safe, effective, free of charge, and available in all government health facilities across the state.
Dr. Sanni also commended the monarch for his consistent support for public health initiatives and advocacy.
Similarly, the State Coordinator of Pathfinder International, Mr. Emah In Udome, highlighted the training’s goal — to deepen understanding of HPV and its vaccine, and to leverage royal leadership in mobilizing community support for cervical cancer prevention.
Medical expert and state HPV champion, Dr. Rabiu Kushimo, expressed concern about vaccine hesitancy among parents, urging families to take immunization seriously. “Vaccination is not just a health decision; it’s a life-saving intervention,” he said.
Also speaking at the event, the State Immunization Officer, Dr. Surajudeen Olayinka (represented by Mr. Akeem Adebari), and State Health Educator, Mr. Waheed Elegbede, delivered sessions on the safety, efficacy, and global and national guidelines for the HPV vaccine, as well as the crucial role of traditional rulers in public health advocacy.
The training concluded with a consensus on the need for sustained collaboration between health authorities, royal institutions, and civil society to protect girls and women from preventable diseases like cervical cancer.
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