In the effort to combat malaria across Oyo State, the First Lady, Engr. (Mrs.) Tamunominini Makinde, has launched the 2025 Insecticide-Treated Nets (ITN) campaign and was officially unveiled as the State’s Net Ambassador.
The initiative comes ahead of the mass distribution of over 5.6 million ITNs, targeting more than two million households across the 33 local government in the state between August 1 and August 7, 2025.
The flag-off ceremony, held at the Civic Centre, Ibadan, brought together top government officials, development partners, civil society groups, traditional rulers, and community leaders together in the anti-malaria campaign in the state
The initiative, which is a joint effort between the Oyo State Ministry of Health, the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), and international partners including the United States Government, through its Global Health Supply Chain Program – Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM), and Breakthrough ACTION Nigeria, among others.
In her keynote address, the First Lady emphasized the significance of malaria prevention and called on all residents, especially women and caregivers, to ensure proper usage of the nets.
“Let me start by appreciating the Oyo State Ministry of Health for nominating me as the Insecticide-Treated Mosquito Net Campaign Ambassador in Oyo State. Malaria, caused by mosquito parasites, is very common in Nigeria. If not treated on time, it can pose serious health challenges. But malaria can be prevented by consistently sleeping under insecticide-treated nets. That is why we are here today,” she said.
She added that from August 1 to August 7, the ITNs will be distributed across communities, and urged beneficiaries not to sell or hoard them but to put them to use.
“Let us not forget to hang our insecticide-treated mosquito nets and sleep inside them so that we can stay healthy. Together, we can wipe out malaria from our communities and ensure a healthier future for our children,” she added.
She appreciated the State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde for prioritizing healthcare, and commended NMEP, the U.S. Government, and all partners for their continuous support.
Speaking at the event, the Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said the campaign would deploy thousands of trained personnel and volunteers who will go from house to house to distribute the nets and educate households on how to hang and use them correctly.
“This is not just about distributing nets. It’s about educating people on malaria prevention, changing attitudes, and saving lives. The nets will come with hanging kits and demonstrations,” she said.
She noted that Oyo State is one of the highest malaria-burdened states in Nigeria, but the government is committed to reducing transmission through massive public health campaigns.
Representing the United States Government’s Global Health Supply Chain Program – Procurement and Supply Management (GHSC-PSM), Nigeria Country Director Jef Imans commended the Oyo State Government’s leadership and commitment.
“The last campaign in 2021 successfully delivered over 4.7 million nets. This year, over 5.6 million nets valued at $21 million have been procured and will be distributed. These nets act as shields that save lives, especially among young children,” Imans said.
He called on campaign workers to uphold integrity and ensure every household receives the nets meant for them.
“Our shared goal is to reduce malaria-related illnesses and deaths. This fight is winnable if everyone plays their part.”
Earlier in his welcome address, Dr. Akintunde Kehinde Ayinde, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, stressed the economic and social burden malaria places on Nigeria, which, along with three other African countries, accounts for 33% of malaria cases on the continent.
“Malaria is not merely a disease; it disrupts health systems, education, and economic productivity. We must keep malaria high on the public agenda if we want a healthy and productive society,” he said.
He also highlighted the ambitious goal set by Oyo State:
“We are working toward a paradigm shift, zero malaria. This is achievable, especially with the First Lady leading as Net Ambassador and the local government chairmen’s wives serving as ambassadors at the grassroots. This movement is about community empowerment and shared responsibility.”
Other dignitaries at the event included Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. (Alhaja) Faosat Joke Sanni, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. (Mrs.) Toyin Balogun, Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke Adefemi, representatives of NMEP, USAID, traditional rulers, local government chairmen, and community health mobilizers.
The event concluded with the symbolic decoration of the First Lady as Net Ambassador and a live demonstration on proper net use.
