Gombe Enlists Media, Influencers to Tackle Polio Gaps, Boost HPV Vaccine Uptake

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Gombe State has mobilised media professionals and social media influencers to strengthen public awareness and improve the uptake of polio and human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines as part of a renewed immunisation drive.

Health authorities say the initiative is aimed at closing coverage gaps, combating vaccine hesitancy, and ensuring that more children especially young girls—are protected from preventable diseases.

Speaking during an engagement meeting with media practitioners and digital influencers ahead of the May round of Sub-National Immunisation Plus Days (SNIPDs), the Gombe State Consultant of the Christian Health Association of Nigeria (CHAN), Emily Madina, described the collaboration as vital to the success of the campaign.

She noted that the engagement was designed as a demonstration exercise to highlight the importance of vaccination and the need for stronger community participation.

“Today’s engagement is critical because the media has a strong influence in shaping people’s attitudes towards health programmes. We want communities to understand what is happening and where to access vaccines,” she said.

Ms. Madina explained that the campaign focuses primarily on the polio vaccine while also promoting awareness of the HPV vaccine, which helps prevent cervical cancer.

“We are working to ensure that children are protected against polio, while also promoting HPV vaccination to safeguard young girls from cervical cancer, which is becoming increasingly common,” she added.

Due to limited availability of the HPV vaccine, she said priority is being given to younger girls, particularly those around nine years old, to ensure early protection.

She also stressed the need to reach underserved communities with limited access to healthcare, noting that no eligible child should be excluded from the programme.

Also speaking, the monitoring and evaluation officer of the Gombe State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Abubakar Muazu Hayaki, said the state is reviewing past immunisation performance to strengthen future interventions.

“We are analysing previous data to determine whether we are making progress or where we need to do more. There are still gaps, especially in polio vaccination coverage and other key health interventions,” he said.

Mr Hayaki revealed that performance trends in some areas have declined, despite expectations of improvement, underscoring the need for renewed strategies, particularly in addressing the low uptake of HPV vaccination and enhancing polio vaccination coverage.

He added that, while the state is set to fully implement the upcoming polio campaign, HPV vaccination remains part of routine immunisation and continues to record low uptake.

“Although HPV vaccination is ongoing as part of routine services, its uptake is still very low. That is why we are engaging the media to help raise awareness and encourage communities to take advantage of the vaccine,” he said.

He emphasised the importance of sustained collaboration with media and influencers to improve public understanding and counter misinformation about vaccines.

The immunisation campaign is scheduled to begin on Saturday and last for 14 days, with authorities targeting improved coverage across communities in the state.

The initiative underscores growing partnerships between health stakeholders, the media, and digital influencers in addressing preventable diseases and strengthening primary healthcare delivery in Gombe State.

Gombe 2027: Dr Yuguda Joins Governorship Race, Promises to Deepen Ongoing Reforms

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

The Accountant-General of Gombe State, Dr Aminu Yuguda, has officially entered the 2027 governorship contest, pledging to sustain and strengthen the development trajectory established by the current administration.

Yuguda unveiled his ambition on Thursday at the All Progressives Congress (APC) secretariat in Gombe, where party leaders and a large number of supporters gathered to welcome him.

Speaking shortly after the declaration, the frontline aspirant appreciated the show of solidarity, describing the turnout as a reflection of growing support across different segments of society.

“I sincerely appreciate everyone who came out to identify with this project, from the youth to the elders. Your presence here today means a lot,” he said.

The seasoned public finance expert noted that his background in the civil service has shaped his approach to governance, stressing that his administration would prioritise continuity and institutional strengthening if elected.

“I see myself first as a civil servant, and that mindset will guide my leadership. My focus will be on consolidating what has already been achieved and ensuring that governance in Gombe continues on a steady path of progress,” Yuguda stated.

He explained that his decision to contest was driven by the need to build on existing gains, adding that the state had already laid a solid foundation for growth which must not be disrupted.

According to him, his immediate goal is to secure the backing of his party as he positions himself for the governorship race.

“I am here to formally seek the support of our great party because I have the ambition to serve as governor. The current administration has set a commendable pace, and our intention is to improve on that record,” he added.

Responding, the Gombe State Chairman of the APC, Mohammed Dantata, assured Yuguda and other aspirants of a transparent and fair primary process.

Dantata also called on all contenders to adhere strictly to party rules and maintain decorum in their campaigns, emphasising unity as a key factor for electoral success.

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From Consumers to Creators: Gombe Trains 100 Youths in AI, Data Analytics

By Auwal Ahmad Umar

Gombe State has intensified its push into Nigeria’s fast-growing digital economy with the launch of a high-impact training programme in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Analytics targeting 100 young people across the state.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Gombe State Information Technology and Digital Economy Commission (GOSIDEC) in collaboration with the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), is designed to equip participants with cutting-edge digital skills needed to compete in today’s global workforce.

Flagging off the programme, GOSIDEC Director-General, Dr. Al-Amin Barambu, described the training as a strategic investment in human capital aimed at repositioning the state from a technology consumer to a producer of innovative, data-driven solutions.

According to him, the intervention aligns with the broader vision of Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s administration to diversify the state’s economy through innovation, digital transformation and youth empowerment.

“Gombe is deliberately charting a new course. We are moving beyond merely consuming technology to building the capacity of our youths to create solutions driven by data and innovation,” Barambu said.

He challenged participants to take full advantage of the opportunity, stressing that the knowledge and tools provided should translate into long-term impact.

“The laptops you have received are not just devices—they are work tools. Use them to develop ideas, build startups and solve real problems within your communities. This programme is only the beginning,” he added.

As part of the support package, NCDMB provided participants with high-performance laptops, learning materials and stipends to ensure full participation throughout the training.

The programme reflects a growing partnership between government institutions aimed at nurturing a new generation of tech-savvy youths, positioning Gombe as an emerging hub for digital innovation in northern Nigeria.

Observers say the initiative could play a significant role in reducing unemployment, boosting entrepreneurship and aligning the state with global trends in technology and knowledge-driven economies.