Niger State Governor Umaru Bago has described immunisation as a vital responsibility that must not be neglected, urging parents and carers to ensure that every child is protected against preventable diseases.
The governor, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Murtala Bagana, made this known during the flag-off of the 2026 World and African Immunisation Week at the Primary Health Care Centre along Peter Sarki Road, Tunga, Minna.
He said the event was more than a ceremonial gathering, describing it as a strong call to action to safeguard the health of children and communities.
“Today is not merely a ceremony but a call to action to protect every child and every community. Behind every vaccination is life protected and a future secured,” he said.
Speaking on the significance of this year’s theme, “For Every Generation, Vaccines Work”, the governor noted that vaccines have saved millions of lives globally, including the eradication of smallpox and the near elimination of polio.
“These gains are not just statistics but stories of children who lived, families kept whole, and communities spared from preventable tragedies,” he added.
Governor Bago reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind in the state’s immunisation efforts, stressing that all 25 local government areas are actively participating in the exercise.
He assured residents that vaccines provided by the government are free, safe, and effective and urged parents to complete their children’s immunisation schedules.
In his remarks, the Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government Area and former Commissioner for Health, Mustapha Jibril, called on community leaders to help dispel misinformation about vaccines and promote acceptance at the grassroots level.
He emphasised the need for sustained collaboration between the Ministry of Health and development partners to reach hard-to-access communities and achieve the target of vaccinating over 80 per cent of eligible children.
Jibril also dismissed common myths surrounding vaccines, pledging the support of all 25 local government chairmen in aligning with the state’s health agenda to ensure that every child is immunised.
Delivering a goodwill message, the UNICEF Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) Team Lead, Grace Odeyemi, reiterated the effectiveness of vaccines in preventing childhood diseases and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to supporting Niger State in reaching zero-dose children.
Some beneficiaries also shared their experiences. An expectant mother, Aisha Isa, encouraged women to prioritise antenatal care and immunisation, noting its importance in ensuring healthy children.
“This is my second pregnancy, and I have always attended antenatal care. The health workers educate and guide us through every stage,” she said.
Similarly, a nursing mother, Katumi Aliyu, highlighted the reassurance she derives from regular medical check-ups and consistent engagement with healthcare providers.
Their testimonies underscore the impact of immunisation and primary healthcare services in improving maternal and child health outcomes across Niger State.