Rotary International District 9112 has raised $13,000 through its PolioPlus programme under the “World’s Greatest Meal” initiative to support the eradication of polio in Nigeria and across the world.
Handover of Funds
Speaking during the handover of the funds yesterday in Lagos, the District Governor, Lanre Adedoyin, said the fundraising campaign was driven by Rotary’s long-standing mission to eliminate polio, which remains the organisation’s foremost external priority. He noted that although Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus on August 20, 2020, the disease remains endemic in Afghanistan and Pakistan, making sustained global vigilance necessary.
Global Threat of Polio
Adedoyin stressed that no country is completely insulated from the threat of polio in an increasingly interconnected world, adding that international travel could aid the spread of infectious diseases. The district governor explained that proceeds from the initiative would be channelled directly to the PolioPlus Fund of the Rotary Foundation to support vaccine procurement, public awareness campaigns and the acquisition of medical equipment needed to combat the disease.
Rotary's Role in Polio Eradication
He added that Rotary’s PolioPlus programme has played a leading role in the global fight against polio, helping to reduce cases worldwide by more than 99 per cent through immunisation campaigns and strategic partnerships. Adedoyin urged Rotarians and partners to continue supporting the Rotary Foundation through donations and advocacy, expressing confidence that the world is closer than ever to achieving a polio-free future.
Committee's Success
The Chairman of the World’s Greatest Meal Committee, Tokunbo Opanubi, described the fundraising effort as one of the most successful and highest contributions recorded by the district under the initiative. He said the committee overcame initial challenges through teamwork and dedication, eventually raising $13,000 for the PolioPlus programme.
“It is one of the highest donations that we have seen so far in District 9112. The $13,000 contribution was generated through the World’s Greatest Meal initiative for the Rotary Foundation,” he said. Opanubi added that the committee remained committed to increasing the amount before the end of the Rotary year on June 30.
