…reaffirm commitment to eradicating the disease globally
By Gloria Ikibah
Rotary International District 9127 today led hundreds of Rotarians, health workers, and volunteers in a Polio Awareness Walk to mark the 2025 World Polio Day, held under the global theme “Together, We End Polio.”
The awareness walk began promptly at 7:30 a.m. from the Old Parade Ground in Area 10, making its way to the Area 1 Roundabout before returning to the starting point at about 9:30 a.m. The colourful procession attracted participants from all five Rotary Districts across Nigeria and formed part of a week-long programme dedicated to promoting public awareness and reinforcing the drive to completely eradicate the poliovirus. Accompanied by lively music and a marching band, the event was a vibrant display of unity, with both Rotarians and supporters donning bright T-shirts in shades of red, black, blue, pink, orange, and purple.
Speaking at the grand finale of the event, District Governor of Rotary International District 9127, Dame Princess Joy Okoro, described this year’s celebration as “a reaffirmation of Rotary’s lifelong commitment to a polio-free world.”
Rotarian Okoro explained that the activities began with interfaith prayers, Juma’at on Friday and a church service at St James Anglican Church, Asokoro, before moving to grassroots engagements across markets and area councils in the FCT.
She emphasised that the core message remains one of awareness and prevention.
She said, “What we are doing today is to commemorate World Polio Day, which comes every 24th of October. This year is special because all Rotary District Governors across Nigeria are here with us in Abuja for a united campaign. It’s been a week of prayers, market sensitisation, community outreach, and advocacy.”
“We are reminding parents to take their children for vaccination from birth to five years. Polio destroys lives, and prevention is the only cure. We’ve met mothers, traders, and community leaders to ensure everyone understands that immunisation is safe and essential.”
The District Governor also praised the federal government for its continued partnership in the fight against polio.
“Five years ago, Nigeria was certified polio-free, thanks to the collaboration between Rotary, the government, and our global partners. But the fight isn’t over yet. As long as there’s a single case anywhere in the world — in Pakistan or Afghanistan — every child remains at risk.”
Also speaking, Past District Governor Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, a Trustee of the Rotary Foundation, urged Rotarians to intensify efforts in advocacy, awareness, and fundraising as part of the global campaign to end polio.
She commended Rotarians for their dedication throughout the year, emphasising that their continued commitment remains vital to eradicating the disease completely.
The RF Trustee reminded participants that advocacy begins with simple conversations, encouraging them to engage passers-by during the walk and educate them about polio prevention. According to her, awareness creation and fundraising are equally important to sustain the momentum of the campaign.
PDG Okoro called on members to contribute, no matter the amount, noting that every donation counts in the fight to keep the world polio-free. She described the event as not just a walk, but a call to action — one filled with purpose, unity, and hope.
Also speaking, AIG Chris Ezike (rtd), Chief of Staff at the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, highlighted the foundation’s pivotal role in the national and continental campaign against polio.
He said, “The Sir Emeka Offor Foundation has played a major role in Nigeria’s polio eradication efforts. Our founder, Sir Emeka Offor, is Rotary International’s Polio Ambassador for Nigeria. Through advocacy, funding, and partnerships, we have supported vaccination campaigns across the country and Africa.”
Ezike underscored the need for sustained funding and collaboration, adding that immunisation should never be politicised or viewed through religious or cultural lenses.
“Polio is a health issue, not a religious one. Traditional rulers and religious leaders have been instrumental, especially in the North, and their continued advocacy is vital. It’s not over until it’s over.”
On her part, Dr Kadijat Kubrat Yusuf, District Polio Chair for District 9127, clarified that Nigeria remains free from wild poliovirus, but that the nation continues to detect isolated vaccine-derived strains through surveillance systems.
Dr Yusuf explained that poor hygiene, unsafe water, and overcrowding still contribute to vulnerability, stressing that routine immunisation remains the best line of defence.
She added that even with global travel, Nigeria’s entry points remain safeguarded.
She said, “Polio has been eradicated in Africa and Nigeria. What we have are circulating vaccine-derived strains detected in sewage samples. They are not the wild virus that causes paralysis, but we can’t be complacent. Until Afghanistan and Pakistan are completely polio-free, every child in the world remains at risk.
“Polio is transmitted through the faecal-oral route, especially among children under five. Once immunity is low, infection can spread quickly. Immunisation is the shield we have.
“Continuous immunisation and surveillance at borders and airports are ongoing. During Hajj, for instance, every traveller is vaccinated, including adults, before boarding. That vigilance must continue.”
Rotarian Fred Odika, President of Presidents, FCT, and President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Metro, highlighted Rotary’s community-level efforts in the FCT and across Nigeria.
He said, “Yesterday, we were at the six area councils in Abuja conducting symbolic immunisations and sensitisation. In Kuje alone, we immunised over 30 children between zero and five years. We work through primary health centres, community heads, and local groups to reach parents and caregivers.”
Odika explained that these local campaigns are part of Rotary’s ongoing commitment to “keep polio at bay.”
He added, “Although Nigeria is polio-free, the world is connected. One infected child anywhere is a threat to every child everywhere. Our duty is to sustain zero cases through consistent education and vaccination.”
This year’s celebration, jointly organised by Rotary International, the Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, and partners including UNICEF, WHO, and the Federal Ministry of Health, drew participation from hundreds of Rotarians, students, and health advocates dressed in bright Rotary colours, chanting slogans of hope and unity.
As the crowd returned to the Old Parade Ground, the air was filled with chants of “End Polio Now!” — a reminder that while progress has been remarkable, the mission is not yet complete.
In the words of Dame Joy Okoro, “Polio has crippled dreams for too long. With unity, awareness, and consistent action, we will consign it to history. Together, we will end polio.”
Naijablitznews.com reports that this year’s World Polio Day 2025 theme is “End Polio: Every Child, Every Vaccine, Everywhere.” This theme highlights the urgent need to ensure that every child, in every corner of the world, receives the polio vaccine.
This year the world celebrates the 99% reduction in polio cases since 1988 while highlighting the ongoing need for vaccination, rehabilitation expertise and global eradication efforts.
