By Correspondent in Minna.
The Etsu Nupe and Chairman of the Niger State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Yahaya Abubakar, has urged lactating mothers not to deprive their babies of breast milk, describing it as “God’s natural best food” that strengthens immunity and protects infants from childhood diseases.
The traditional ruler made the call during the formal flag-off of the Integrated Measles-Rubella (MR) Vaccination Campaign for the 25 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Niger State, held at his palace in Bida.
Alhaji Abubakar described the vaccination as a milestone in primary healthcare delivery and encouraged mothers to participate actively to protect their children from preventable illnesses.
“It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our children benefit from this exercise. The vaccine is safe, has no side effects, and promotes healthy growth and development,” he said.
In her remarks, the wife of the Niger State Governor, Hajiya Fatima Umar Bago, who officially flagged off the campaign, said the initiative was aimed at safeguarding thousands of children from measles and rubella — two major threats to child survival.
She appealed to mothers and caregivers to visit the nearest vaccination centres, stressing that the vaccines are provided free of charge.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Secondary and Tertiary Health, Dr. Abdullahi Usman Imam, noted that the goal of the campaign is to vaccinate all eligible children to reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality rates in the state.
In a goodwill message, the Chief of the Kaduna Field Office of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Dr. Gerida Birukila — represented by Health Specialist Dr. Ahmed Tsofo — reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to supporting the fight against measles and rubella in Niger State.
Representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO), AFENET, GAVI, and other development partners also pledged continued collaboration with the state government to ensure the success of the campaign.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
