World Polio Day: Kebbi State Stakeholders Pledge Continued Support

By Umar Faruk

Birnin Kebbi, Kebbi State, Nigeria

October 27, 2025(Series News Online)

On Monday, in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital, the Kebbi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (PHCDA) marked World Polio Day in collaboration with stakeholders, including UNICEF, traditional rulers, religious leaders, and civil society organizations. The event, held at Equity Television station, aimed to highlight the progress made in polio eradication efforts in the state.

During the media roundtable discussion, stakeholders shared their experiences and contributions to the success of polio vaccination programs in the state. The discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration and partnership in achieving polio eradication.

The Health Educator at PHCDA, Alhaji Yusuf Umar Sauwa, noted that the state government has recorded significant successes in polio eradication efforts. "We have secured solar refrigerators for vaccine storage, adequate polio vaccines, training and retraining of health personnel, community dialogue and engagement of community leaders, and campaign awareness at LGA and state levels," he said.

Sauwa emphasized the importance of marking World Polio Day, saying, "Marking World Polio Day is crucial as it raises awareness about the importance of polio vaccination, highlights the progress made in polio eradication efforts, and encourages continued support and partnership to achieve a polio-free Nigeria."

Sauwa expressed appreciation to traditional rulers, religious leaders, and donor partners, particularly UNICEF, for their support. "We commend all media organizations for their strong collaboration and partnership with the Agency, which has contributed significantly to the tremendous achievement recorded in combating polio viruses in the state," he added.

Other speakers at the event included representatives from UNICEF, Nigeria Health Watch, Lafiya Jari House mobilizers, polio survivors, traditional rulers, and religious leaders. The District Head of Diggi, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku Diggi, pledged the continued support of traditional rulers in the fight against polio.

The stakeholders vowed to double their efforts to ensure more successes are achieved in the state. The event highlighted the progress made in polio eradication efforts in Kebbi State and the importance of continued collaboration and partnership in achieving a polio-free state and Nigeria in general.