The Government of Kaduna State has launched the Girl Effect Oya Campaign, a multi-sectoral initiative aimed at empowering adolescent girls through preventative healthcare and improved nutrition.
Unveiled at a ceremony in the state capital, the campaign marks a major milestone in Kaduna’s public health efforts: over 754,000 girls aged between 9 and 14 have now been vaccinated against the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)—the virus responsible for most cases of cervical cancer.
Deputy Governor Dr Hadiza Balarabe, represented by Hajiya Rabi Salisu, Commissioner for Human Services and Social Development, called the campaign “a collective call to protect the health, dignity, and future of every girl in Kaduna.”
The Girl Effect Oya Campaign is supported by the UK-based non-profit Girl Effect and is designed to amplify community awareness and action around early disease prevention and adolescent nutrition.
“No girl should be denied the chance to thrive due to preventable diseases or poor nutrition,” said Balarabe. “With Governor Uba Sani’s administration prioritising health access, Kaduna is setting a precedent for girl-focused health interventions across Northern Nigeria.”
The initiative also aims to break social taboos and misinformation by engaging parents, educators, faith leaders, and traditional rulers in grassroots advocacy.
Health officials and civil society groups present at the launch commended the government’s proactive approach in ensuring that adolescent girls receive life-saving care and the opportunity to lead healthier, empowered lives.
