In a powerful demonstration of collective commitment, six Rotary clubs from Zone 4 of District 9111 Nigeria—Rotary Club of Ota, Alakuko, Ijoko Premier, Ijoko, Iyana Iyesi Ota and Agbara—convened for a 3KM awareness walk on October 25, 2025, to mark 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 sensitization 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. Rotarian Charles Umukoro, President of Rotary Club of Ota, underscored the organization’s dedication, stating, “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.” Rotarian Oludare Oyegbola, President of Rotary Club of Alakuko, highlighted the community impact, noting, “Through unity, we are building healthier communities. Encouraging vaccinations today prevents lifelong disabilities tomorrow,” while urging other organizations and individuals to support this critical cause.
Rotarian Olayide Ogundele, President of Rotary Club of Ijoko Premier, emphasized 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, “We are proud as Rotary clubs to lead in awareness. Vaccinate now to protect our future generations from this preventable disease.” Rotarian Onitire, President of Rotary Club of Iyana Iyesi Ota, 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 emphasized the need for vigilance, stating, “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.”
This endeavor aligns with Rotary International’s 2025-26 theme, “Unite for Good,” promoting collaborative health initiatives. The event encouraged parents to vaccinate children under five at government and private healthcare facilities, supported by Rotary and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, with the Nigerian government facilitating distribution and community outreach. For further details on Rotary’s polio eradication program, visit rotary.org.
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Public Image Chairs Rotary Club of Ota, Alakuko, Ijoko Premier, Ijoko, Iyana Iyesi Ota and Agbara
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