The April 2025 National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDs) Campaign has been a powerful demonstration of Rotary’s unwavering commitment, in partnership with government, traditional leaders, and global health agencies, to finish the fight against polio. Across multiple states and even beyond Nigeria’s borders, the Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee (NNPPC) proudly participated in activities that put children and communities at the center of the mission: no child left behind.
Starting with the Polio Flag-off in Kano State, where the Deputy Governor, Comrade Aminu Abdulsalam, representing the State Governor, led by example by performing routine immunization on a child at the event. Rotary International was proudly represented by Trustee Ijeoma Pearl Okoro and Past District Governor (PDG) Kazeem Mustapha. Trustee Ijeoma delivered a rousing speech on the urgent need to finish the fight against polio and protect every child for good.
In Katsina State, the Honourable Commissioner of Health, Dr. Yakubu Nuhu, flagged off the campaign at Rimi Local Government Area, reaffirming the state’s commitment to safeguarding children. Rotary’s presence was strong with NNPPC Chairman PDG Joshua Hassan and PDG Ndanusa Yunusa Yakubu (Sarkin Nupawa Katsina), who championed the call to end polio once and for all.
The NNPPC team, alongside Past Rotary International Vice President (RIVP) Yinka Babalola, paid a courtesy visit to Hakimin Kaita, Alhaji Yazid Abdulkarim Sarkin Sulubawa, where souvenirs were presented in recognition of his enduring support. Also in attendance were Illo Adams, Niger Republic PolioPlus Chairman, and other dignitaries, underscoring the importance of cross-border partnerships.
The NNPPC leadership also paid a key advocacy visit to Hakimin Rimi, Alhaji Aminu Nuhu Abdulkadir (Kauran Katsina). Led by Chairman PDG Joshua Hassan and Vice Chair PDG Ndanusa Yakubu, the visit reinforced community partnerships and renewed the commitment to eradicating polio at the grassroots level.
Polio knows no borders and neither does Rotary’s resolve. At the Dankama-Niger border, the NNPPC, led by the chairman PDG Joshua Hassan, RIVP Yinka Babalola, Niger’s NNPPC Chair Adam Illo, Vice Chair PDG Ndanusa Yakubu, and National Program Coordinator Gbenga Olayiwole, joined volunteers to vaccinate children across border communities. As part of this effort, the delegation paid an advocacy visit to the Prefect of Aguie, Marafi Region, Republic of Niger Haoua Sani Amadou, cementing partnerships that ensure cross-border children are protected.
In Sokoto State, PDG Obafunso Ogunkeye led supportive supervision at critical border points including Illela In-Gate Post, Illela Out-Gate Post, and Kwankwamawa Road to Diboni, ensuring seamless vaccine delivery for children on both sides of the border.
While in Lagos State, PDG Tunji Funsho led a supervision exercise in Eti-Osa LGA, reinforcing the message that Rotary’s presence in the field remains strong. Day 1 of the campaign in Kosofe LGA, Lagos, saw NNPPC Vice Chairman PDG Yomi Adewunmi, District 9111 PolioPlus Chair, Rotarians, and Rotaractors working hand in hand with health workers to protect children. Meanwhile, in Idi Araba, a Hausa community hub in Lagos, Rotarians from Districts 9111 and 9112, including DGs, DGEs, and volunteers, participated in both immunization drives and a special advocacy visit to the Seriki of Idi Araba. The event reflected Rotary’s deep community engagement and grassroots commitment.
In the South, the campaign was flagged off at Rukpokwu Primary Health Centre in Rivers State.
Representing Rotary was Past Rotary International Vice President (RIVP) Yinka Babalola, alongside District 9141 PolioPlus Chair, Rotarian Jack Omodu. They joined community leaders including the Obio Akpor LGA Sole Administrator, Executive Secretary of RSPHB, WHO representatives, traditional chiefs, women groups, youth leaders, and health workers. The diverse turnout emphasized that polio eradication is a shared responsibility
From Kano to Katsina, Lagos to Rivers, and across the Nigeria–Niger border, the April 2025 NIPDs highlighted Rotary’s unity of purpose with governments, partners, traditional rulers, and community volunteers.
Every child vaccinated is a step closer to making history a world free of polio. Rotary International and the NNPPC reaffirm their call: together, let us protect every child, strengthen every community, and End Polio for Good.