Wamakko and the war against polio

In terms of both content and delivery, one can hardly find a more interesting, revealing and informative programme on the controversial topic of polio. First, those behind the programme seem to have correctly identified that the major issue around the polio saga is the unfounded but deep-seated misunderstanding about the poliomyelitis as a deadly disease […]

In terms of both content and delivery, one can hardly find a more interesting, revealing and informative programme on the controversial topic of polio. First, those behind the programme seem to have correctly identified that the major issue around the polio saga is the unfounded but deep-seated misunderstanding about the poliomyelitis as a deadly disease itself, and the accompanying reluctance or even refusal to submit to the administration of vaccines as a preventative measure. The programme seeks to tackle this by persuasively disabusing the minds of the people in a language they understand and using deft deployment of sound reasoning and convincing arguments, rather than joining issues or engaging in needless debate with those who in the first place are responsible for the negative attitude against the campaign to eradicate the polio scourge.
Interestingly, the programme retains certain liveliness because it is segmented into news, discussion (with a guest), special reports and question-and-answer sessions. The last directly engages the audience in terms of feedback and participation. Even more interesting, the programme, from time to time, airs the voices and views of the people, including polio victims, their families and handlers, thereby conveying fresh and unique perspective to the presentation.
Secondly, the choice of the medium is also apt. Radio Kaduna, despite the recent tough times as a result of neglect by owners, has remained a force to reckon with and a darling of teeming Hausa broadcast audience within and outside the shores of this country. In the same vein, Aso Radio has a surprisingly large quantum of audiences well beyond the Federal Capital Territory.
However, by far the most novel thing in the programme is the involvement of key individuals – experts on health matters as well as respectable traditional rulers – who directly speak to the people and enlighten them on why polio should be fought with all arsenals at the disposal of government in order to eradicate it. The intervention of these officials and leaders is necessary, particularly because the ordinary people listen to and have faith in them. My advice to the producers of the programme is that they should step up the involvement of resource persons, especially religious leaders and influential individuals at the lower rungs of the society. They should also continue to go out there and speak to the ordinary members of the audience.
In all this, the main hero, without doubt, is Aliyu Magatakarda Wamakko, the Governor of Sokoto State, the sole sponsor of the programme. Certainly, Alu deserves commendation. The Northern half of the country is one of the last remaining centres of poliomyelitis, not only in Nigeria but perhaps in the whole world. By taking up the gauntlet to sponsor the programme, Alu has shown pacesetting leadership and a characteristic resolve that the battle must be won no matter what it takes. Other Northern leaders must take up the challenge. Rigakafi Ya fi Magani must be sustained. It should be broadcast in all radio stations in the North – and beyond. We should all lend a helping hand in the fight against polio.

Nok wrote from Karu, Abuja.