By Abdullahi Faruk
Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria
October 30, 2025
The Emir of Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammad Ilyasu-Bashar, has commended the Kebbi State Government and its development partners for their sustained commitment and remarkable success in the ongoing polio immunisation campaign across the state. The Emir, represented by the Magajin Rafin Gwandu, Barrister Muhammad Sambo-Aliyu, gave the commendation during a courtesy visit commemorating the World Polio Day's week in Birnin Kebbi.
The Emir expressed satisfaction with the impressive coverage reported in various local government areas, attributing the success to the collective efforts of the government, traditional leaders, health workers, and community volunteers. "We are happy with the information coming out of the state on the success of polio immunisation and vaccination," Ilyasu-Bashar said. "All hands must be on deck for us to completely eradicate the scourge of polio from resurfacing in the state."
The Emir appreciated the contributions of relevant ministries and agencies, including the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Ministry of Information and Culture, Medicaid, the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, as well as various groups representing women and persons living with disabilities.
Earlier, the Health Educator at the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (PHCDA), Alhaji Yusuf Umar-Sauwa, reaffirmed the state's commitment to maintaining its zero-polio status. "Our field reports show encouraging levels of compliance and cooperation from parents and caregivers," Umar-Sauwa said. "We are working closely with traditional and religious leaders to sustain public awareness and community ownership of the immunisation process."
Umar-Sauwa also lauded the emirate council for its strong advocacy role and continuous mobilisation of community leaders. "Traditional institutions in the state have been instrumental in building trust and dispelling misconceptions about vaccination," he said.
