The Nigeria National Polioplus Committee (NNPPC) of the Rotary International on Thursday honoured the Late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero with posthumous award for his significant contribution to the success of polio eradication in Nigeria.
Similarly, the committee has also honored other traditional rulers as well as religious and community leaders for the important roles they played in the fight against polio in their respective states.
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The awardees were honoured during the 2023 National Polio Field Workers’ Award Ceremony held at the Tahir Guest Palace, Kano on Thursday.
Speaking at the occasion, the Rotary International President, Ms Jennifer Jones said the idea behind organizing the National Polio Field Workers’ Award was to celebrate and reward those field workers who distinguished themselves in the fight against polio in Nigeria.
Jones, who was represented at the occasion by Ejeoma Pearl Okoro, Past District Governor Endowment & Major Gifts Adviser for Africa, said the program was aimed at appreciating the ordinary people at the frontline of the struggle to eradicate polio.
“The program is designed to reward those who go the extra mile, those who do just a little more than is required, and those who have shown the ability to be creative and think outside the box with innovative strategies which improve the richness of our program,” she said.
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The RIPresident said the commented the organizers of the program and called on partners to sustain the program with a view to boosting their morale.
In his remark, the Chairman, NNPPC, Joshua Hassan said even though it’s impossible to reward those who has made significant contributions to the success of polio eradication in Nigeria, the event attempts to motivate and encourage everyone who is willing to put just that little extra into getting the job done.
He said the current target according to Global Partnership for Polio Eradication, is to stop all transmission of polio by the year 2026 adding “To do this, we will need more of your support in the field.
Among the traditional rulers that were honored at the occasion include the District Head of Funtua and Sarkin Maska, Alhaji Sambo Idris Sambo and District Head of Damboa in Borno State, Alhaji Zanna Lawan Maina.
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Others were the District Head of Kaltungo in Gombe state, Ephron Sokka Abubakar in addition to Ward and Village Heads.
Highlights of the event include presentation of certificates and wheelchairs to a number of cripples.
