Royal Support Boosts Jigawa’s April Immunization Drive
By Abdulhamid Sani
Hadejia, Jigawa State, Nigeria – In a powerful display of commitment to child health, His Royal Highness, the Emir of Hadejia and esteemed Chairman of the Jigawa State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji (Dr.) Adamu Abubakar Maje, CON, recently hosted a high-level advocacy visit at his palace in Hadejia town. The meeting, held in April 2025, centered on galvanizing support for the upcoming April Immunization Plus Days (IPDs) aimed at safeguarding children across the state.
The significance of the event was underscored by the presence of a distinguished delegation from the Dutse Emirate, led by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Dutse, Alhaji Muhammad Hamim Nuhu Sunusi, OFR. Their participation highlighted the unified front of traditional leadership in championing crucial public health initiatives.
Key stakeholders in Jigawa’s health sector also attended, including the Director of Primary Health Care, Alhaji Hassan Shuaibu Kwalam, representing the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency (JSPHCDA); Alhaji Yusuf Bashir Hakimi, the Director of Planning, Research, Statistics, Monitoring and Evaluation; Alhaji Shehu Ibrahim, the SERICC Program Manager; and the Program Director of the Sultan Foundation.
The collaborative spirit extended to national and international partners, with officials from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), AFENET, Corona Management Systems, and notably, the Vaccine Network Jigawa, all present to lend their expertise and support.
Adding further weight to the advocacy efforts, prominent traditional leaders such as Alhaji Aminu Danmalan (District Head of Aujara and Danmalandin Dutse) and Alhaji Tijjani Usman (Sarkin Dawaki Mai Tuta) graced the occasion. Their presence emphasized the pivotal role of traditional institutions in fostering community engagement and ensuring the success of public health programs.
The Sultan Foundation, in close collaboration with the JSPHCDA and partners like the Vaccine Network Jigawa, orchestrated the meeting with the primary goal of amplifying community participation in the forthcoming immunization campaign.
During the session, Alhaji Hassan Shuaibu Kwalam, the Director of Primary Health Care, delivered a compelling presentation outlining the successes achieved and the persistent challenges encountered in previous immunization drives. He made a heartfelt appeal to the esteemed traditional leaders to intensify their efforts in mobilizing communities to achieve even greater immunization coverage.
Reinforcing the importance of vaccination from a religious perspective, the Chief Imam of Hadejia Emirate Council, Sheikh Yusuf Abdulrahman Ya’u, delivered an insightful sermon rooted in Islamic teachings. He eloquently articulated how protecting life and preventing illness through measures like immunization are fundamental tenets of Islam, urging parents and guardians to ensure their children receive the full course of vaccinations.
Responding with resolute commitment, both His Royal Highness, the Emir of Hadejia, and His Royal Highness, the Emir of Dutse, unequivocally pledged their unwavering support for the upcoming IPDs and other essential primary health care services across Jigawa State. Their unified stance underscored their deep dedication to ensuring the health and well-being of every child in the state.
The Emir of Hadejia further announced that the specific date, time, and location for the official flag-off ceremony of the April IPDs would be communicated to the public once finalized.
The remarkable progress and dedication of the JSPHCDA, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Shehu Sambo, were also highlighted. Dr. Sambo’s instrumental role in driving the success of immunization campaigns and primary health care services throughout Jigawa State has earned him widespread commendation for his tireless commitment to public health.
This united front, encompassing traditional leaders, government agencies, and crucial partners like the Vaccine Network Jigawa, signals a strong push towards a successful April Immunization Plus Days campaign, promising a healthier future for the children of Jigawa State.
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