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In Niger: Government of Canada Demonstrates It’s Commitment To The Fight Against Polio And Strengthening Routine Immunizations
Femi Oyewale
To further demonstrate the Government of Canada’s commitment to the fight against polio virus and strengthening routine immunization (RI), Mr Tarik Khan, the Director General West and Central African Bureau, Global Affairs Canada, today joined the Niger State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (SPHCDA) and WHO staff during a polio house-to-house vaccination exercise.
The delegation made a first stop at the home of Mrs Miriam Shuaibu, whose one-year-old son received a follow-up dose of Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). Expressing her joy, she said, “I’m happy you came to my house to vaccinate my son Mohammed”.Reaching every child with lifesaving vaccines, as well as strengthening surveillance and routine immunization across Nigeria and the African region, will be essential to sustain the progress against wild polio and other strains.
Since the last wild polio case was detected on 21 August 2016 in Nigeria, the Nigerian Government has organized more than a dozen supplementary immunization campaigns with oral polio vaccine, intensified efforts to increase routine immunization coverage, improved its polio surveillance networks and deployed innovative strategies (market vaccination, cross-border points and outreach to nomad populations) to reach more children with polio vaccines.
For this sub national vaccination campaign, preliminary data show that at least 2.6million children have been immunized across all 25 LGAs of Niger, a state at risk of polio virus.Actively participating in the vaccination campaign, Mr Khan expressed satisfaction with WHO’s support to the community towards polio eradication and strengthening RI. “It was very enlightening to see how WHO is supporting routine vaccination and how there is a lot of public awareness and definitely an increase in the number of young children being vaccinated”, he said.“We are very hopeful that the government of Nigeria, with support from WHO working with local authorities, will be able to eradicate polio completely by 2020”.
During a visit to the Suleja LGA Secretariat, the Executive Director of the Niger State PHCDA said “The support from Canada has been very instrumental to the progress we have recorded so far. WHO has been so helpful and they’re always on ground to help us anytime, any day.”
The Government of Canada has been one of the major contributors in the fight against polio since the global initiative was launched in 1988. This includes Nigeria, where Canada is currently providing financial support through WHO to help eradicate polio and strengthen routine immunization.
Expressing WHO and partners’ gratitude to the people of Canada and the Niger State Government, Dr Fiona Braka, WHO Nigeria Team Lead for the Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI), said, “We wish to use this medium to greatly appreciate Canada and the Niger State Government for all their efforts. The strong leadership of the Federal and State Governments, with the support from donors such as Canada, has been instrumental to the significant achievements in the fight against polio virus in Nigeria.”
She cautioned that, “As we edge closer towards polio-free certification in the Africa Region, we need to remain vigilant and sustain the high quality of vaccination campaigns and surveillance, while aiming for higher routine immunization coverage.”
Other members of the delegation to Suleja LGA, Niger State consisted of Niger State Government officials, the Acting High Commissioner of Canada to Nigeria, Mrs Amy Galigan and the Counsellor/ Head of Cooperation, Mr Kevin Tokar, as well as health team officers Ms Kibeza Kasubi and Mr Martin Osubor. The team paid a courtesy call to His Royal Highness the Emir of Suleja, Mallam Muhammad Awwal Ibrahim, to express appreciation for the support of the traditional institutions in promoting polio eradication and broader primary health care delivery.
Through funding from Canada and other donors, WHO Nigeria provides support to the Federal Government of Nigeria and State Governments for polio eradication activities. Two of the three wild polio virus strains (type 2 and 3) have so far been declared eradicated globally in 2015 and 2019 respectively. Only three countries remain on the endemic list for wild polio virus type 1: Afghanistan, Pakistan and Nigeria. Nigeria is scheduled to present its documentation for certification to the Africa Regional Certification Commission
COAS Launches Nationwide Security Renewal Mission in Plateau
The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, on Thursday led a high-level delegation of security chiefs to Plateau State, flagging off a nationwide security renewal mission aimed at strengthening civil-military cooperation and restoring lasting peace across the country.
The visit to Jos, the Plateau State capital, marks the first phase of a coordinated national effort to address persistent security challenges through joint operations, community engagement, and proactive intelligence gathering.
Governor Caleb Muftwang received the delegation, describing the initiative as a critical step toward stabilizing affected communities and reinforcing public confidence in security institutions.
Civil-Military Synergy Takes Centre Stage
At the heart of the mission is a renewed emphasis on collaboration between the military, civil authorities, and local communities. Speaking during the visit, Lt. Gen. Shaibu stressed that national security must be treated as a collective responsibility.
He urged citizens to support security agencies by remaining vigilant, sharing credible information, and complying with lawful directives, noting that effective security cannot be achieved in isolation.
Community Engagement as Confidence-Building Tool
In a departure from purely operational engagements, the Army Chief held direct consultations with community leaders and residents in Jos, reinforcing the importance of trust and dialogue in conflict resolution.
Lawmakers, including Dachung Bagos and Ladi Dangyok, commended the initiative, stating that visible engagement by top military leadership helps rebuild confidence among citizens and fosters cooperation.
Proactive Security Operations Underway
Operational updates were provided by Major General Folusho Oyinlola, who disclosed that troops under Operation Enduring Peace have intensified surveillance, intelligence-led patrols, and coordinated actions with other security agencies.
According to the Army, the approach is designed to prevent escalation of threats, safeguard lives and property, and stabilize vulnerable communities before crises emerge.
A Shift Toward Sustainable Peace
Military authorities emphasized that the Plateau visit is part of a broader, long-term strategy to transition from reactive responses to sustainable peacebuilding nationwide. The framework includes strengthening local resilience, ensuring justice, and maintaining continuous engagement with stakeholders.
Analysts view the initiative as a significant policy shift, reflecting a more inclusive security architecture that integrates community participation with military operations.
Call for National Unity
The Army leadership concluded with an appeal to Nigerians to reject divisive narratives and support ongoing efforts to promote unity and peace.
“The success of this mission depends not only on the armed forces but on the cooperation of every citizen,” the COAS stated.
The nationwide security renewal campaign is expected to extend to other regions in the coming weeks as authorities seek to consolidate gains and build a safer, more unified Nigeria.
IGP Disu Visits Plateau, Orders Tactical Deployment To Reinforce Security
The Inspector General of Police, Olatunji Disu, on Thursday paid a working visit to Plateau State following recent unrest, holding strategic talks with Governor Caleb Muftwang on measures to strengthen security and prevent further disturbances.
As part of immediate steps to stabilise the situation, the police chief authorised the deployment of specialised tactical units to support officers already on ground across affected areas.
Governor Muftwang commended the swift intervention of the police leadership, praising the dedication and professionalism of security personnel working to restore calm. He also acknowledged the efforts of mobile police officers and lauded the leadership of the state’s Commissioner of Police, Bassey Ewah.
Both the Nigeria Police Force and the Plateau State Government reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding lives and property, stressing that enhanced collaboration remains key to restoring lasting peace in Plateau State, popularly known as the Home of Peace and Tourism.
Grace Nation Worldwide: A Living Reality – Dr. Chris Okafor
……“Miracles, Healing, and Deliverance Overflow at Grace Nation Services”
The Grace Nation midweek Prophetic Healing, Deliverance, and Solutions (PHDS) Service on 2nd April 2026 at the international headquarters in Ojodu Berger, Lagos, was a spectacular display of God’s power, marked by miracles, healing, and deliverance.
The God of Grace Nation continues to demonstrate His authority, breaking strongholds, healing the sick, restoring lost glory, and providing solutions to every problem presented at His altar.
Testimonies of God’s Power
One woman, previously diagnosed with a terminal condition and slated for a ₦4.5 million surgery due to inability to excrete, was prayed for by the Generational Prophet, Christopher Okafor, just a week after visiting the church. Declaring healing within 24 hours, she returned to testify to God’s miraculous intervention.
Another pregnant woman, whose baby was bridged and at risk, was located and prayed for. She returned to service with confirmation that her child is now well-positioned for delivery. Similarly, a woman booked for a C-section due to an overdue and poorly positioned pregnancy testified during the service that her baby is now properly positioned, ready for birth.
These testimonies underscore the truth: what God cannot do does not exist. Grace Nation has entered a new level of spiritual authority, and with faith, believers are witnessing the impossible become reality.
God Works by Principle, Not Gossip
In his sermon, Dr. Okafor emphasized that God does not operate on superstition, gossip, or social media pressures. His work is grounded in His Word, and it is through adherence to His principles that Grace Nation continues to flourish.
The Generational Prophet stressed that to enjoy divine blessings and fruitfulness, believers must remain connected to God’s Word, faithfully serve Him, and ignore distractions or side-talks. Focused commitment to God’s service guarantees alignment with His miraculous power.
Join the Movement
Grace Nation Worldwide is open for all who desire a life transformed by divine intervention. Weekly services include:
Sunday Service: 7:00 AM
Grace Nation Island Service (Ogombo): Wednesday, 5:00 PM
Midweek PHDS Service: Thursday, 7:00 AM
Attending these services under the ministry of the Generational Prophet ensures encounters with God’s supernatural power, life-changing miracles, and lasting breakthroughs.
Grace Nation Worldwide is not just a church—it is a reality where faith meets the supernatural.
By Sunday Adeyemi
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