Soliu Owoyabu, Abeokuta
In the effort of ending Polio in Nigeria and the whole world, a non-governmental organization, Rotary International in collaboration with the Ogun State government has campaigned against Polio and urged the parents to allow their children to be vaccinated.
At the Polio Walk for the Ogun State Axis on the commemoration of 2023 World Polio Day, with this year theme ‘A Healthier Future For Mother And Children” held on Sunday 29th of October, 2023 in Abeokuta, the state capital, Some of the Ogun State government officials and members of Rotary International participated.
While speaking with the newsmen, the Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Tomi Coker assured the parents and guardians of safety in the vaccine, saying that they should disregard the speculations surrounding the vaccine.
She bielded them to allow their targeted children to be vaccinated against the disease, noted that the vaccinations is available in all the Primary Health Centres accross the state with free of charge.
“The Polio Vaccine is safe, we’ve used it for many years and to the point that Nigerian was declared Polio free 3years ago. It does not stop our children from having children in the future because it does not affect the fertility.
“I will like to encourage the parents to bring their children out from age of 0-5 years old to get the immunization to avoid paralysis from Polio and fibroid illnesses and safe their life. These vaccinations are provided for free in the Primary Health Centres all around us across the 236 Wards of Ogun State.
In her message, the DG of Rotary International Ogun/Lagos District 9110, Ify Rita Ejezie disclosed the aims and objectives the campaign and the dangers of the disease.
She also narrated the achievements been recorded by the members of Rotary globally and the areas they have been helpful to the government.
“We are here to create awareness in our communities and neighborhood to let the parents know that Polio is real and it should be eradicated in Nigeria, and we will not stop until it completely eradicated in the whole world. We have done it in Lagos and today we are in Abeokuta. And My message to the people is that they should bring out their children to be vaccinated against Polio, because Polio is a deadly disease.
“Rotary is a great organization, Rotary is the largest and biggest NGO in the whole world. We are over 118years old and we are still strong. Rotary has been rated for the past 15years by Charity Navigating in America rating NGOs; has rated us with the highest rating so far which is 4 Star. It shows the integrity we have in Rotary. We have been joining government, because government cannot do it alone in providing the needs of Communities in the areas of Health, Education, Economic Empowerment, Peace and Conflict Resolution and creating disease prevention and treatment.
Also, the Commissioner for Women Affairs in the state and the President of Rotary Club of Abeokuta District 9110 Hon. Motunrayo Adijat Adeleye appreciated all the stakeholders that have contributed to 3years achievement of Nigeria on Polio.
She however tasked the members of the organization not to relent in their efforts in making sure the Polio is completely eradicated in Nigeria.
“I stand before you today, humbled and inspired by the remarkable progress Nigeria has made in eradicating wild poliovirus. As the President of the Rotary Club of Abeokuta, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to everyone involved in this monumental achievement. The news of our country’s three-year polio-free milestone echoes the dedication of our health workers, the support of our government, and the relentless efforts of organizations like Rotary.
“Today, as we organize the polio walk for the Ogun State Axis, let us recommit ourselves to the cause. Our role as Rotarians is pivotal. We will continue our strong advocacy, intensify awareness campaigns, and ensure the necessary funds are raised. Rotary, in collaboration with its partners, has contributed huge amount to the fight against polio in Nigeria, reflecting our enduring commitment.
“Let this event be a symbol of our unity and determination. Together, we can make history by creating a polio-free world. I urge each one of you to approach today’s task with enthusiasm and purpose. Our actions today pave the way for a healthier tomorrow. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to Rotary’s noble mission.
The organization also made a condolence visit to the family of the late Iyalode of Yoruba Land, Chief Mrs. Alaba Lawson at her resident located at Quarry Road in Abeokuta.
Also at the event are, Commissioner for Youths Sports; Hon. Isiaka Wasiu, Commissioner for Housing; Hon. Jagunmolu Jamiu Akande, Zonal Coordinator Zone 12 District 9110; Dr. Hassan Adelakun Some Presidents of Rotary International in Ogun State and Lagos, President- elects, Hope Presidents and members of the Organization.