…As Binta Bello Bags WHO Award
By Imrana Sulaiman, Gombe
The Chairperson of Shongom Local Government Area, Hajiya Fatima Binta Bello, has commended Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya for his outstanding commitment to improving the health sector, particularly in the fight against Polio and other preventable child killer diseases.
She made the remarks on Friday, during an event held at Lapan Community in Shongom Local Government Area, to commemorate the 2025 World Polio Day.
Hajiya Binta emphasized the importance of routine immunisation and community participation in sustaining the progress already made in eradicating the polio menace.
She urged parents and caregivers to ensure that every child receives all necessary vaccines, describing immunization as a lifesaving measure that protects the future of every child.
“We must continue to work hand in hand with our health workers and traditional leaders to ensure that no child is left behind. Immunization remains one of the most effective ways to safeguard our children’s future,” she said.
The Chairperson also appreciated Governor Inuwa Yahaya for prioritizing health services across the state, noting that his administration’s policies and investments have strengthened primary healthcare delivery and boosted the confidence of development partners.
“His Excellency’s dedication to improving health infrastructure and supporting local governments in carrying out immunization campaigns has brought remarkable progress. We are indeed grateful for his visionary leadership,” she added.
Presenting his goodwill message on behalf of the World Health Organization (WHO), the organization’s State Coordinator in Gombe, commended Hajiya Fatima Binta Bello for her relentless advocacy and active leadership in promoting immunization activities within Shongom and across the state.
In recognition of her contributions, the WHO presented Fatima Binta Bello with an Award of Excellence as the Polio Eradication Champion in Gombe State.
He described the award as a testament to her “remarkable grassroots mobilisation, transparency, and passion for community health,” adding that her example should inspire other local government leaders.
The event witnessed a large turnout of health workers, traditional rulers, community leaders, and representatives of international organizations, all of whom reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining an immunized Gombe State.