The Oriyeyin Rindre and First Class Traditional Ruler of Wamba, Justice Lawal Musa Nagogo (Rtd), has called on parents and guardians to ensure that their daughters, particularly those aged nine, receive the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine to protect them against cervical cancer.
The revered monarch made the appeal while addressing his subjects at his palace in Wamba, headquarters of Wamba Local Government Area in Nasarawa State.
Justice Nagogo stressed that the World Health Organisation (WHO) would never produce vaccines that could harm the health of Nigerians, especially given the level of expertise among global and local medical professionals.
Read Also: Association Commends Local Drug Manufacturers, Calls for Government Support
He tasked village heads, district heads, and other traditional title holders present at the palace to mobilise their communities, particularly parents, to support and encourage eligible girls to take the HPV vaccine, which he affirmed is both safe and free.
“The World Health Organisation introduced this vaccine to protect and safeguard our young girls against cervical cancer. We will always support health-related initiatives. Therefore, I call on our people and our women to allow their daughters to receive this vaccine—health is wealth,” the monarch stated.
The Oriyeyin Rindre noted that the financial burden of managing cancer-related illnesses is often overwhelming for families, underlining the importance of preventive measures such as vaccination.
He also warned against allowing myths and misconceptions about vaccines to deny communities the benefits of health programmes initiated by the government and global bodies like the WHO.
He concluded by reiterating the importance of embracing the HPV vaccination campaign, which aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 3: ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all at all ages.