Six Rotary clubs from Zone 4 of District 9111 Nigeria – Rotary Club of Ota, Alakuko, Ijoko Premier, Ijoko, Iyana Iyesi Ota and Agbara – have convened a 3-kilometre awareness walk to mark the World Polio Day.
Under the leadership of their respective presidents and with the distinguished presence of immediate past district governor (IPDG) Oluwole Kukoyi, the event drew hundreds of members, bystanders, parents, and market women to advocate for polio vaccination awareness and reinforce Africa’s polio-free status.
Participants distributed educational flyers and paused at strategic intervals to engage bystanders with sensitisation efforts, spotlighting Rotary International’s ongoing global campaign to eradicate polio, a disease now limited to Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The initiative, themed ‘End Polio Now,’ featured inspiring remarks from the club presidents. President of Rotary Club of Ota, Rotarian Charles Umukoro, underscored the organization’s dedication, stating that, “ this walk reaffirms our commitment to a polio-free world. Africa’s success is Rotary’s triumph; let us vaccinate every child to sustain this achievement.”
President of Rotary Club of Alakuko, Rotarian Oludare Oyegbola, highlighted the community impact, noting that, “through unity, we are building healthier communities. Encouraging vaccinations today prevents lifelong disabilities tomorrow,” while urging other organisations and individuals to support this critical cause.
President of Rotary Club of Ijoko Premier, Rotarian Olayide Ogundele, emphasised global collaboration, saying, “Polio knows no borders, but collective action does. Our 3KM steps symbolize strides toward global eradication; every dose counts.”
Other leaders echoed this resolve. Rotarian Olalekan Zurdiq, President of Rotary Club of Ijoko, expressed pride in the clubs’ leadership role, stating that, ‘we are proud as Rotary clubs to lead in awareness. Vaccinate now to protect our future generations from this preventable disease.’
President of Rotary Club of Iyana Iyesi Ota, Rotarian Onitire focused on empowerment, asserting, “Empowering families with knowledge and access to free vaccines lies at the heart of Rotary. Let us ensure no child in Ota or beyond suffers from polio.”
At the final stop, IPDG Oluwole Kukoyi expressed gratitude to all participating clubs and Rotarians, declaring, “This walk is our pledge: End Polio Now, for good.”
He further emphasised the need for vigilance, stating that, “Rotary’s polio eradication efforts have certified Africa wild-polio free, but sustained immunity is essential. Events like this unite us for good—vaccinate every child and end transmission forever.”
