*L-R: Rtn. Rex Hegen Aii, Rtn. Winifred Magu Marshall, Assistant Governor, Rotary Club Wuse Central, Zainab Omowunmi Owonikoko, District Governor, Rotary International District 9127, Engr. Sikiru Adetona Owonikoko and District Polio Advisor, District 9127, Olajumoke Ekeinde, during the 2026 Walk to End the Polio Now, held in Abuja.
The District Governor, Rotary International District D127, Engr. Sikiru Adetona Owonikoko has asked Rotarians not to be tired of donations to end Polio disease.
He said all the givings are making impact and the eradication of Polio is a must to save millions of children in the world.
He said sensitisation against Polio and Immunisation of children are priorities of Rotary International.
Owonikoko, who made the plea after a walk to mark World Polio Day 2026 in Abuja, said Polio eradication is non-negotiable.
He commended the Federal Government and Rotary International partners like WHO, UNICEF and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency(NPHCDA) for effective grassroots collaboration.
He said: “This is not just the beginning and it will not be the end until every child of the world is saved.
“We have reasons to mark World Polio Day and that reasons we are not going to go out of it because Rotary International has spent so much money from the beginning in1985. We must make sure the children of the world are saved.
“I want to thank the Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health, for giving us all what it takes through the Primary Healthcare Centres to get to all communities across the country in getting all the children immunised. We want to say thank you.
But our thanks goes to the Almighty, Rotarians, Rotaractors, BIll Gates Fonund, WHO, UNICEF, NPHCDA and other partners.
“To Rotarians, all your givings to The Rotary Foundation are making impact. Not only today, you have been giving since we signed agreement to ensure children are saved.
“I want to plead with you, we should not be tired, the donations should continue, the sensitisation must not stop, the eradication is a must for us and we have to keep polio at zero as we promised.”
The Vice Chairman of the Nigerian National PolioPlus Committee (NNPPC), Dr. Kazeem Mustapha, who is also a Past District Governor, said Rotary is sustaining the EndPolioNow campaign to protect children all over the world.
He said “immunisation is a key preventive precaution against Polio or any disease.”
On her part, the District Polio Committee Chair, Mrs. Mariam Abdullahi said a polio-free world is achievable.
She said: “Today, on World Polio Day, we stand together to reaffirm one promise: we will not rest until every child is protected and our world is polio-free.
“To the clubs of District 9127, I charge you today to continue to participate actively. Organize immunization drives, raise awareness in your communities, and give your resources. Polio has no place in our future, and your action is what will push it into history.
“To our valued partners snd our volunteers — you are the heartbeat of this mission. You brave the sun, the rain, and difficult terrain, offering your best at all times so that no child is missed. We see you, and we salute you.”