Niger State Governor Muhammad Umaru Bago has emphasized that immunization is not merely a ceremonial event but a strong call to action to protect every child and community, describing it as a critical responsibility that must not be neglected.
Governor Bago made this statement while unveiling the 2026 World and African Immunization Week at the Primary Health Care Centre along Peter Sarki Road in Tunga Minna. He was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Murtala Muhammad Bagana.
Bago said: “Going by this year’s theme, ‘For Every Generation, Vaccines Work,’ I know how vaccines have saved millions of lives globally, eradicating smallpox and nearly eliminating polio.” He maintained that these gains are not just statistics but stories of children who lived, families kept whole, and communities spared from preventable tragedies.
The governor reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to ensuring that no child is left behind, adding that the 25 local government areas are actively engaged in immunization efforts. He assured residents that vaccines remain free, safe, and effective, and enjoined parents and caregivers to complete their children’s immunization schedules.
Earlier, the Chairman of Chanchaga Local Government, Dr. Mustapha Jibril, appealed to community leaders to rise to the challenge of dispelling misinformation and encourage acceptance at the grassroots level. Speaking on how the state can meet its target of vaccinating over 80 percent of children, Dr. Jibril urged the Ministry of Health and development partners to sustain immunization campaigns and reach hard-to-reach communities.
He dismissed widespread myths about vaccines, pledging that “on behalf of the 25 local government chairmen, we will align with the state government’s health agenda and ensure every child is immunized.”
In her goodwill message, the United Nations Children’s Fund Social and Behaviour Change Team Lead, Grace Odeyemi, assured that vaccines have consistently proven effective against childhood diseases and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to supporting the state in reaching zero-dose children.
One of the expectant mothers who spoke with journalists, Aisha Isa, called on mothers and pregnant women to prioritize vaccination if they must have healthy children. According to her, “This is my second pregnancy and I have always attended antenatal care; the health workers educate and guide us through the trimesters.”
Another nursing mother, Katumi Aliyu, recounted her consistent visits and the reassurance provided through regular medical checks. Their experiences reflect the real impact of immunization and primary healthcare services, bringing hope, confidence, and healthier beginnings to families across the state.
