Gombe State came alive with colour, energy, and purpose on October 24, 2025, as the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities (GSCPWD) joined health partners and community leaders to commemorate World Polio Day, themed “Together, We End Polio.”
The celebration, organized by the Gombe State Ministry of Health and the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, in collaboration with Rotary International, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other partners, highlighted the remarkable progress Gombe State has achieved in the fight against polio and its ongoing commitment to inclusion for persons with disabilities.
A Day of Unity and Celebration
The event began with a vibrant awareness rally from the Palace of His Royal Highness, the Emir of Gombe, to the Gombe State Government House. Hundreds of participants — including health workers, civil society groups, persons with disabilities, students, traditional rulers, and development partners — marched through the streets carrying placards with powerful messages on immunization and disability inclusion.
The atmosphere was electric as music, dance, and chants of “End Polio Now!” echoed across the city. The rally served as a reminder of how far Gombe has come in its fight against polio and how collective efforts can create lasting change.
Gombe Achieves 99.9% Success in Polio Control
According to official reports, Gombe State has achieved an impressive 99.9% success rate in polio control, a milestone attributed to years of strategic investments in primary health-care services and community-based immunization campaigns.
Speaking during the event, stakeholders praised the leadership of His Excellency, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, whose administration has consistently supported public health programs, ensuring vaccination teams reach even the most remote and hard-to-reach communities.
“This success didn’t happen overnight,” said one of the health officials. “It is the result of collective determination, community engagement, and government commitment to make polio history in Gombe.”
A Well-Deserved Honour for Ishiyaku Adamu
A major highlight of the day was the presentation of an award of recognition to the Executive Chairman of the Gombe State Commission for Persons with Disabilities (GSCPWD), Hon. Ishiyaku Adamu, for his tireless advocacy and outstanding contributions to ending polio and promoting disability inclusion in the state.
Hon. Ishiyaku, a respected disability rights advocate has been at the forefront of campaigns for equal access to education, employment, and healthcare for persons affected by polio and other forms of disability.
Receiving the award, he expressed heartfelt gratitude and reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to ensuring that no person with a disability is left behind in the state’s development agenda.
“This recognition is not just for me but for every polio survivor who continues to rise above challenges,” he said.
“Our message is clear — disability is not inability. Together, we can build a society where every person, regardless of physical condition, can live with dignity and purpose.”
Renewed Call for Action
Hon. Ishiyaku also used the opportunity to call on parents and caregivers across Gombe State to ensure that every child under the age of five receives their polio vaccination.
“We must not relent,” he urged. “One unvaccinated child puts every other child at risk. Together, we protect our children, and together, we will finish the job of eradicating polio forever.”
Commitment to Inclusion and Health for All
The GSCPWD reaffirmed its commitment to working with government and health partners to promote inclusive health systems, where persons with disabilities can access quality healthcare without barriers. The Commission emphasized that polio eradication efforts must go hand-in-hand with social inclusion, rehabilitation, and empowerment of survivors.
The event concluded with goodwill messages from partner organizations, performances by disability groups, and a renewed pledge to keep Gombe State free from polio.
As the sun set over the city, one message resonated loud and clear — Gombe State is not just fighting polio; it is building a legacy of inclusion, resilience, and shared progress.
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