The Emir of Gwandu, Muhammad Ilyasu-Bashar, has praised the Kebbi State Government and its development partners for their sustained commitment and notable success in the ongoing polio immunization campaign across the state.
The commendation was conveyed by the Magajin Rafin Gwandu, Muhammad Sambo-Aliyu, during a courtesy visit by the state polio team to the emir’s palace on Thursday. The visit was part of activities marking World Polio Day Week.
The Emir highlighted reports from various local government areas showing impressive coverage, attributing the success to the joint efforts of the government, traditional leaders, health workers, and community volunteers.
“We are pleased with the reports coming from the state on the success of polio immunisation and vaccination. All hands must be on deck to completely eradicate polio and prevent its resurgence. We thank you for your efforts in the ongoing World Polio Campaign in the state,” Ilyasu-Bashar said.
He also acknowledged the contributions of relevant ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ministry of Information and Culture, MediaAid Foundation, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, as well as groups representing women and persons living with disabilities.
“We thank the state government and traditional rulers for their unrelenting efforts in ensuring polio is eradicated throughout the state,” he added.
Earlier, Yusuf Umar-Sawwa, Health Educator at the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (PHCDA), reaffirmed the state’s commitment to maintaining its zero-polio status. He noted that the agency had intensified advocacy and sensitisation across all 21 local government areas to ensure that every eligible child under five receives the polio vaccine.
“Our field reports show encouraging levels of compliance and cooperation from parents and caregivers. We are working closely with traditional and religious leaders to sustain public awareness and community ownership of the immunisation process,” Umar-Sawwa said.
Also speaking, Atiku Abubakar, District Head of Diggi, who represented traditional rulers in the campaign, praised the emirate council for its continuous advocacy and mobilisation of community leaders.
“Traditional institutions in the state have been instrumental in building trust and dispelling misconceptions about vaccination,” he said.
