By correspondent
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has partnered with the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) to raise awareness on polio vaccination through football.
Speaking at the event in NITEL Stadium, Oshodi, UNICEF Social Behaviour Change Specialist, Aderonke Akinola-Akinwole, said the initiative aimed to boost routine immunisation and reduce zero-dose polio cases.
She explained the football competition, which featured several clubs across Lagos, was designed to engage men, stressing that their involvement could double access to vaccination services.
Akinola-Akinwole urged fathers to actively support vaccination, noting that their decisions strongly influence health outcomes within families and communities.
She added the competition sought to capture men’s interest and turn players into vaccination champions across Lagos communities.
Describing the event as highly successful, she said over sixty goals were scored, symbolising victories for children’s health and protection against preventable diseases like polio.
She revealed that more than three hundred male players joined the campaign, influencing peers and families, with expectations of nearly five thousand men becoming champions for immunisation.
According to her, collaborating with football clubs extended the campaign’s reach as clubs now promote vaccination and encourage members and fans to embrace routine immunisation.
She further urged men to dismiss vaccine myths and ensure every child is protected, regardless of their background or community circumstances.
“With the slogan ‘from the pitch to the PHC’, we hope football-driven awareness translates into higher vaccination rates, ensuring no child in Lagos is left behind,” she said.
Earlier, Dr Ibrahim Mustapha, Permanent Secretary of LSPHCB, commended UNICEF for the partnership, affirming Lagos’ commitment to prioritising vaccines, particularly polio, to safeguard children’s long-term health.
Mustapha noted that childhood immunisation kept many professional footballers healthy and fit to play, emphasising that vaccines remain life-saving.
He stressed that the programme was more than a football competition, describing it as a platform to promote health through unity, sportsmanship, and awareness.
Mustapha highlighted the importance of collaboration between global institutions and local authorities to build healthier communities and prevent avoidable childhood diseases.
He urged parents and guardians to prioritise vaccination, insisting it is every child’s right and essential protection against polio and other preventable diseases.
The highlight was the football finals between Great Olympic FA, Mushin, and VINOD FA, Agege, after both teams qualified from the preliminary rounds.
The match ended 2-2 in regular time, forcing a penalty shootout to decide the winner.
VINOD FA triumphed 3-2 on penalties, securing the trophy and N500,000 prize, while Great Olympic FA earned N300,000 and the second-place trophy.
The third-placed team received N250,000, while the fourth went home with N150,000.