Frontline traditional rulers in Taraba State have been honoured for their outstanding contributions to the fight against polio and the promotion of routine immunization across Taraba communities.
The Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA), in collaboration with the Chigari Foundation and other Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization (ACSM) partners, presented the awards to three traditional leaders in recognition of their roles in mobilising communities and supporting vaccination campaigns.
Also recognised was the District Head of Muri Emirate, Alhaji Abba Tukur, who also serves as the State Chairman of the Social Mobilisation Committee. He was honoured for his exceptional commitment and leadership in advancing immunization activities across the state.
The award ceremony, held at the conference hall of the Bureau for Local Government, Chieftaincy and Traditional Affairs, celebrated frontline traditional rulers who have shown remarkable dedication to supporting immunization programmes and raising awareness about the importance of polio vaccination.
Organisers said the event was designed to acknowledge the critical role traditional leaders play in encouraging parents to vaccinate their children and assisting health workers in reaching remote communities.
Speaking, the Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Nuhu Tukur, said the partnership between the SPHCDA, the Chigari Foundation and other ACSM partners has strengthened community engagement and improved vaccination coverage across the state. According to him, the collaboration has significantly contributed to progress towards the complete eradication of polio in Taraba.
Also speaking, the Programme Officer of the Chigari Foundation, Mallam Mohammed Sale, said three traditional rulers were selected from the state’s three senatorial districts based on their consistent support for immunization activities.
He noted that the monarchs have continuously supported the foundation’s programmes and reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to working closely with traditional institutions to ensure full immunization coverage in every community.
Taraba State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bordiya G. Buma, commended the foundation for its support and praised traditional leaders for their efforts in mobilising communities.
He said the rulers have remained at the forefront of encouraging parents to present their children for routine immunizations and other vaccination campaigns.
Buma also called on other organisations and development partners to emulate the Chigari Foundation by collaborating with the agency to increase immunization uptake across the state,
adding that the state government, under governor Agbu Kefas, remains committed to improving the health and well-being of residents.
“The government is fully committed to ensuring that our people live healthy lives. As an agency, we will continue to work tirelessly to ensure our immunization coverage reaches the 90 per cent target set for us,” he said.
Speaking on behalf of the award recipients, the District Head of Kachalla-Sambe under the Muri Emirate, Alhaji Yakubu Adamu, expressed appreciation for the recognition.
He said the honour would further motivate traditional leaders to intensify efforts toward community development, particularly in promoting immunization.
Organisers noted that the recognition is expected to encourage community champions to sustain efforts aimed at achieving a polio-free Taraba State.