From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The wife of the Katsina State Governor, Hajiya Zulaihat Dikko Radda, has called for stronger collaborative efforts to ensure the total eradication of polio disease in the state.
She made the call on Wednesday during the commemoration of the 2025 World Polio Day held at the New Government House, Katsina.
Mrs Radda noted that although cases of the Circulating Variant Polio Virus Type 2 (cVPV2) had drastically reduced, the emergence of two new cases in Danmusa Local Government Area posed a serious threat to the state’s progress in eradicating the disease.
“A new challenge stands before us. The circulation of Variant Polio Virus Type 2 is dangerous to the survival of our children,” she said.
She, however, commended all stakeholders for their roles in reducing polio cases from 17 to two, attributing the success to the commitment of traditional rulers, donor agencies, government, and other development partners.
“These victories were not accidental; they were the result of collective and concerted efforts and the extraordinary courage of frontline health workers, communities, and caregivers who never gave up,” Mrs Radda added.
She praised traditional institutions for countering misinformation and overcoming non-compliance during immunisation exercises, while also acknowledging the contributions of government agencies, civil society groups, and development partners.
The governor’s wife further highlighted the political will of both the federal and state governments in achieving significant coverage of polio immunisation over the years.
She urged parents and health workers to sustain the progress made in eradicating polio across Nigeria.
Mrs Radda also disclosed that her foundation, the Safe Space Humanitarian Initiative (SASHIN), in collaboration with partners, had been working to improve the wellbeing of children and mothers across Katsina State.
In his remarks, the Chief of UNICEF Kano Field Office, Rahama Rihood Muhammad Farah, represented by a Child Protection Specialist, Fatima Adamu, reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Nigeria’s fight against polio.
“It is a profound honour for UNICEF to stand with you today on World Polio Day 2025 here in Katsina State, to reaffirm our commitment to a future free from polio for every child,” Farah said.
He congratulated the governor, his wife, and the people of Katsina for their sustained efforts in the global campaign against polio.
Similarly, the Katsina State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Musa Adamu Funtua, commended Governor Dikko Radda, his wife, and both national and international partners for their continued support in the fight against the disease.
Highlights of the event included group photographs with stakeholders and polio survivors, as well as recognition of active contributors — including the wives of the 34 local government chairmen — for their roles in the state’s anti-polio campaign.