By Eedris Abiola
Football is set to become more than just a game in Oyo State, as stakeholders have tapped into its power to promote immunization at the grassroot.
This was the focus of a strategic planning meeting of the 2025 edition of the “Vaccinate Your Superstar to Win” football competition, themed “Kick Zero Dose and Polio Away” initiated by United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, Femben Sports International Academy, and the Oyo State Football Association, held in Ibadan
In a goodwill message, UNICEF’s Social Behavioral Change and Health Consultant for Oyo State, Mr. Samuel Olatunji, described football as a unifying tool that can effectively mobilise communities for health awareness.
Also speaking, Secretary of Oyo State Football Association, Mr. Kehinde Ojelowo, revealed that 24 teams from six geopolitical zones of the state will participate in the tournament.
Chief Executive Officer of Femben Sports International Academy, Coach Olufemi Olatunji, said the competition would promote immunization and talent discovery.
Coach Olatunji hinted that legendary Nigerian footballers will grace the 2025 edition of the tournament.
While the kickoff date is yet to be announced, the planning meeting drew attendance from stakeholders including Oyo State Coordinator of National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Mr. Samuel Ajibade, Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, Mr. Samuel Olarinde, State Immunisation Officer, Oyo State Primary Healthcare Board, Mr Adedamola Adediran, representative of World Health Organisation, Dr. Paul Ajayi and Pensioners FM General Manager, Dr. Babatunde Tiamiyu.
