The Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has urged traditional rulers across Nigeria to remain committed to the fight against polio, routine immunisation, and other health challenges while also helping to tackle insecurity.
He made the call in Abuja on Tuesday at the second quarterly review meeting of the Northern Traditional Leaders Committee (NTLC) on Primary Health Care Delivery.
The Sultan praised the committee for its achievements over the past 16 years, particularly in mobilising communities for vaccination campaigns. He noted that traditional rulers have played a key role in boosting vaccination coverage by over 25 per cent in many areas.
“As patron of the NTLC, I commend the federal and state governments for entrusting traditional leaders with the responsibility of selecting and supervising vaccinators,” he said.
The Sultan stressed that improving health outcomes required not only drugs but also good nutrition, urging leaders to promote food security and encourage farming by ensuring safety in rural communities.
“No matter how much drug you give somebody, if there’s no food or good nutrition, that drug will not work. Let people go back to their farms by providing security,” he warned.
He condemned the rising cases of killings, kidnappings, and attacks on worshippers, describing them as acts against both Islamic and Christian teachings.
The Sultan called for traditional rulers to expand their roles beyond health into addressing insecurity and other local issues, noting that their influence at the grassroots makes them vital partners in building peace, promoting health, and strengthening national stability.
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