 Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to building a healthy population through sustained vaccination efforts, particularly in the fight against polio and other preventable childhood diseases.
The Deputy Governor of Kwara State, Mr. Kayode Alabi, made this known during the Review Meeting on the Abuja Commitment held on Wednesday at G Pinnacle Hotel, Ilorin. The meeting brought together the 16 Local Government Chairmen, traditional rulers, and development partners across the state.
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, the Deputy Governor emphasized that immunization remains a critical pillar for achieving a healthy Kwara and sustainable development.
He commended Local Government Chairmen for their active involvement in ensuring that no child is left behind in the ongoing polio eradication campaign.
He further stressed the need for stronger engagement at the local government level through active leadership participation in immunization activities, timely attendance at evening review meetings, and prompt release of counterpart funds.
The Deputy Governor also appreciated traditional rulers for their continuous support and frontline role in polio eradication efforts, assuring them of the government’s sustained collaboration and support.
In her welcome address, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA), Prof. Nusirat Elelu, appreciated the Chairmen for their consistent support and dedication.
She called for stronger collaboration with traditional rulers in addressing issues of non-compliance during immunization exercises.
She further explained that while the selection of ad-hoc health workers is carried out at the local level, final validation rests with traditional institutions to ensure credibility and community acceptance.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in Kwara State and Chairman of Kaiama Local Government, Hon. Abubakar Abdullahi, commended the Deputy Governor, KWSPHCDA management, and health workers for their dedication and commitment to service delivery.
He pledged the full support of all Local Government Chairmen and assured that health workers would be provided with adequate security and a safe working environment to enable them to perform optimally.
Presenting the polio situation update in Nigeria, the State Coordinator of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Eyitayo Emmanuel, highlighted key challenges affecting routine immunization across the country.
He called for collective action and intensified awareness through social media, radio broadcasts, and community engagement.
He also urged traditional rulers to take a leading role in addressing issues of non-compliance during immunization campaigns, noting the high level of trust they command within their communities.
Also speaking, the representative of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Mr. Bolaji Adebayo, provided key insights into the burden of polio and its negative impact on child development and national progress.
He emphasized the importance of sustained immunization coverage to protect children and secure the country’s future.
In his remarks on behalf of traditional rulers, the Emir of Shonga and Chairman of the Northern Traditional Leaders Council on Health, Dr. Haliru Yahaya, expressed the readiness of traditional institutions to deepen collaboration with the government, KWSPHCDA, and health workers in achieving and sustaining a healthier Kwara State.
He assured that traditional leaders would continue to actively participate in evening review meetings and support the selection and validation process of immunization personnel.
He noted that traditional institutions remain strategically positioned to enhance community acceptance and compliance during immunization campaigns.
