The Honourable Minister of Youth Development, Comrade Ayodele Olawande, Becomes an HPV Vaccine Champion

On January 28, 2025, the Women Advocates for Vaccine Access (WAVA) and its coalition partners, Vaccine Network for Disease Control (VNDC) and Direct Consulting Logistics (DCL), had the distinct honor of meeting with the Honourable Minister of Youth Development (HMYD), Comrade Ayodele Olawande. The visit was an opportunity to commend his recent appointment of Dr. Obinna Ebirim as the Senior Special Assistant on Youth and Adolescent Health.

In a powerful demonstration of his dedication to youth well-being, the Honourable Minister embraced the role of an HPV vaccine champion. His commitment underscores a vision where adolescent girls have greater access to this life-saving vaccine, ensuring a healthier future free from preventable diseases. By leveraging his platform, he is poised to drive awareness, advocacy, and action, paving the way for a generation empowered with better health choices.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including Dr. Ebirim’s esteemed colleague: Alhaji Marwan Gamba, the Special Assistant to the Honourable Minister on International Cooperation. Also in attendance were representatives from WAVA and its coalition partners, including Goodness Hadley, Director of Programs at WAVA; Mrs. Chika Offor, CEO of VNDC; Nwamaka Ezeanya, Senior Program Officer at WAVA; Dr. Chika Nwankwo, Head of Programs at VNDC; and Dr. Chisaa Igbolekwu, Technical Manager at DCL.

Dr. Ebirim, aligning with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration, will play a key role in advancing the R.E.A.D strategic objectives to enhance youth and adolescent health:

• Raising awareness on health issues affecting young people
• Empowering youth and adolescents to take ownership of their health
• Advocating for policy and behavioral changes that prioritize their well-being
• Developing and implementing targeted health programs

His focus will center on five key M.A.C.I.N priority areas to address pressing health challenges among young people:

1. Mental health
2. Alcohol and substance abuse
3. Communicable diseases (HPV, HIV, STIs, etc.)
4. Insurance access for unemployed youth and those in the informal sector
5. Non-communicable diseases (obesity, cancer, etc.)

During the discussion, WAVA and its coalition partners explored opportunities for collaboration with the Ministry of Youth Development and pledged her support to these critical initiatives. Recognizing the pivotal role of young people in shaping Nigeria’s future, WAVA remains committed to working alongside the government to improve adolescent and youth health.

This meeting marks the beginning of a promising partnership, and we look forward to collective efforts that will drive meaningful change in youth and adolescent health across the country.