BY SUNDAY EGEDE
THE wife of Delta State Governor and Founder of You Matter Charity Foundation, Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori, yesterday, said over 331,919 girls in the state between the ages of nine and 14 years, have successfully been vaccinated against Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) as at April this year.
Deaconess Oborevwori disclosed this, yesterday, at the official launch of the Effect Oya Campaign on Human Papilloma Virus held at the Unity Hall, Government House, Asaba.
Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor of the state, Lady Mrs. Catherine Onyeme, Deaconess Oborevwori said Delta State had made remarkable progress since the HPV vaccine was introduced in the state on May 27, 2024.
“I am honoured to stand before you today at the official launch of the Effect Oya Campaign, an initiative dedicated to improve the campaign against Human Papilloma Virus through vaccination.
“I extend my heart felt appreciation to our esteemed governor for his unwavering commitment to the health and wellbeing of our people.
“His leadership has been instrumental in creating an environment conducive for life changing interventions such as this.
“The HPV vaccine remains one of the most effective tools in our collective fight against cervical cancer, a disease that affects women and claims lives.
“I am proud to share that since the introduction of this HPV vaccine in the state on May 27, 2024, we have made remarkable progress. As of April, 2025, we have successfully vaccinated over 331,919 girls aged nine to 14 years,” she said.
This achievement, according to her, is a testament of the collaborative effort of health workers, government agencies, development partners and the unwavering efforts of parents and guardians.
“However, l want say that the launch of the Girl Effect Oya Campaign today marked the next phase of our efforts not only to expand the HPV vaccination coverage but also take steps that will make our girls to grow into strong healthy women,” she added.
While saying that the term ‘Oya’ resonates with urgency and action, the First Lady noted that it was a call to communities in the state to take proactive steps in safeguarding the health of young girls.
“Through this campaign, we aim to create awareness about the HPV vaccination and good decision making in further strengthening our holistic approach to our adolescent girls health,” Deaconess Oborevwori said.
She commended the Delta State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, the Ministries of Health and Education as well as their valued partners for championing the course against HPV and for working in synergy to make the launch a reality.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Country Director, Girl Effect Nigeria, Boladale Akin-Kolapo had said Girl Effect is a global non-profit making organisation committed to empowering adolescent girls and young women by addressing the root causes of the challenges they face.
Akin-Kolapo applauded Deaconess Tobore Oborevwori for her warmth, unwavering support, leadership and dedication to advancing the health and wellbeing of women and girls in the state.
She disclosed that the launch of the Effect Oya Campaign in the state was a testament to what can be achieved when public institutions, development partners and communities come together in pursuit of a shared vision: ensuring that every girl has the knowledge, tools and support she needs to lead a healthy and empowered life.
“We use data, media, technology and community engagement to shift harmful norms, expand access to accurate health information and promote behaviour change. Our goal is to help girls see themselves differently and make healthier decisions for their lives,” she said.
