The District Governor, Rotary International, District 9110, Rtn. Ifeyinwa Ejezie has emphasized on Rotary taking the lead towards eradication of polio in the world.
The District Governor made the remark during the 'polio walk' exercise by the Rotary district on Saturday, October 21 to mark World Polio Day 2023.
"Rotary International has been doing so much to end polio in the world and Nigeria is not left out. We started in 1985 and then we got partners like Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that has given over $350 million to fight polio around the world. And then, there is UNICEF, WHO and even the government as well as corporate bodies because we can't do it alone.", says DG Ejezie while addressing members of the press at the sideline of the walk.
She acknowledged Toyota Nigeria for partnering with the district for this year's walk by supporting with the polio crested shirts for the walk "We appreciate them for partnering with Rotary which is at the fore front of the fight against polio".
The DG further said, "We don't just engage in walks alone, we also participate in vaccination. We take vaccines to villages, including those that are difficult to access".
She noted that Rotary's effort is evident in Nigeria as there has not been any case of polio for the past three years since Nigeria was declared polio free.
"That is because we did not relent in our efforts, and we will not stop until polio is completely eradicated from the face of the earth", she stated adding that for now, there are still cases of polio in two countries, Pakistan and Aphganistan.
The walk which will take place in three phases across Lagos and Ogun states, Nigeria started with the first phase covering Lagos Island axis of Lagos state on Saturday, October 21 and leading other Rotarians in the walk was the District Governor, Rtn. Ifeyinwa Ejezie.
The second phase of the walk will hold in Lagos Mainland axis on Saturday, October 28 while the third phase will hold in Abeokuta, Ogun state on Sunday, October 29.
