From Abdulwahab Muhammad Published by Alphapressmedia
In a decisive move to end polio once and for all, the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Gates Foundation, and the Aliko Dangote Foundation have joined forces to rally state governors behind a renewed eradication drive. The spotlight fell on Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who chairs the National Economic Council (NEC) Task Team on Polio Eradication, as he pledged to lead Nigeria’s final push against the disease.
The high-powered delegation, led by Dr. Muyi Aina of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and Mr. Chris Elias of the Gates Foundation, visited Governor Yahaya to reinforce national and global commitment. Their mission: to interrupt the transmission of circulating variant poliovirus types 2 and 3 within the next two years, building on Africa’s historic certification as free of wild poliovirus in 2020.
Delegates emphasized the urgency of coordinated action across federal, state, and local levels. They highlighted the need for:
Intensified political commitment
Community engagement and grassroots mobilization
Effective surveillance systems
High-quality immunization campaigns
Dr. Aina praised Governor Yahaya’s leadership for strengthening accountability and reinvigorating subnational engagement, while Mr. Elias commended Nigeria’s progress in governance and primary healthcare.
Governor Yahaya pledged to mobilize fellow governors, especially from frontline states, to ensure interventions reach every community. He underscored that polio eradication is not just a health priority but a national development imperative, with direct implications for child survival, human capital, and economic productivity.
As Chairman of the Northern States Governors’ Forum, Yahaya also vowed to deepen collaboration with traditional rulers and community influencers to counter misinformation and boost vaccine acceptance. “Our traditional institutions are indispensable partners in grassroots mobilization,” he said, stressing that no child should be left unreached.
The delegation reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening routine immunization, disease surveillance, and primary healthcare delivery. With strong partnerships and political will, the country is poised to close the chapter on polio and secure a healthier future for its children.
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