The District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, Rotarian Bukola Bakare, has urged parents and caregivers to ensure their children receive complete polio immunisation, warning that no child should suffer preventable paralysis from the disease.
Bakare made the appeal in a statement today to mark the 2026 World Polio Day, calling on governments, community leaders and Nigerians to strengthen efforts to protect every child against polio.
She described it as heartbreaking that children could still suffer paralysis from a disease for which effective vaccines are available.
“It is heartbreaking that in this day and age, a child can still become paralysed because of polio. We have vaccines that can prevent this suffering, so why should any child have to go through it?” she said.
World Polio Day, observed annually on October 24, raises awareness of the importance of vaccination and highlights global efforts to eradicate poliomyelitis. This year’s theme is “A Chance for Reflection and a Reminder to Reach Every Last Child.”
According to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, children should receive complete and timely immunisation with both the oral polio vaccine and the inactivated polio vaccine to ensure adequate protection against the disease.
Bakare, a mother and grandmother, urged parents not to neglect routine immunisation, stressing that polio could cause irreversible paralysis.
She recalled that Nigeria was certified free of wild poliovirus in 2020 but cautioned that the achievement should not lead to complacency, as outbreaks of variant poliovirus continued to pose a threat.
“We celebrated when Nigeria was declared free of wild poliovirus, and rightly so. It was the result of years of hard work by health workers, volunteers, government agencies, Rotary members and many other organisations.
“But we must understand that being certified free of wild poliovirus does not mean we should stop vaccinating our children. The danger has not completely disappeared,” she said.
The Rotary governor said the organisation had remained at the forefront of global polio eradication efforts for decades, beginning its campaign in 1979 and launching the PolioPlus initiative in 1985.
READ ALSO:World Polio Day 2026: Americas mark 35 years free of wild poliovirus as vaccine
She noted that Rotary members had continued to contribute resources, support vaccination campaigns, educate communities and raise funds to help eliminate the disease.
Bakare commended the World Health Organisation, UNICEF, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the Gates Foundation, government health agencies and other partners for their contributions to global immunisation programmes.
She also emphasised the need to reach children in rural and underserved communities, where limited access to healthcare and reliable information could prevent them from receiving routine vaccinations.
“A child living in a remote village deserves the same protection as a child living in Lagos, Abuja or any major city. We cannot afford to overlook these children simply because they are difficult to reach,” she said.
Bakare urged parents and caregivers not to allow rumours and misinformation to discourage them from immunising their children, advising them to seek accurate information from qualified health professionals and cooperate with vaccination teams.
“Make sure your children receive all the recommended doses. Do not allow fear or rumours to put their future at risk,” she added.
Highlighting Rotary’s awareness initiatives, Bakare recalled the Polio Boat Regatta held on October 17, 2026, jointly organised by Rotary International Districts 9111 and 9112.
She also announced plans for a Polio Awareness Train Ride from Lagos to Abeokuta on October 31, 2026, as part of efforts to educate the public, raise funds and encourage greater participation in the eradication campaign.
The Rotary governor called on corporate organisations, philanthropists and members of the public to support the End Polio Now campaign through donations, public awareness and advocacy for childhood vaccination.
“You do not have to be a Rotarian to support the fight against polio. You can donate, help spread accurate information or encourage parents to vaccinate their children. Everybody has something to contribute. Even the smallest effort can make a difference,” she said.
She further urged governments at all levels to sustain funding and support for immunisation programmes, particularly in communities where children face a greater risk of missing routine vaccinations.
Bakare commended health workers and volunteers who travel long distances and work under difficult conditions to ensure children receive life-saving vaccines. She also called on media organisations to intensify public education on polio and childhood immunisation, noting that accurate reporting could help dispel misconceptions and encourage vaccine uptake.
Expressing optimism about the eventual eradication of polio worldwide, Bakare urged Nigerians to sustain their commitment to the campaign.
“On this World Polio Day, my appeal is simple: please vaccinate your children, encourage others to do the same, and support the efforts to end polio. We have come a long way, and we must finish the job,” she said.
She reaffirmed Rotary International District 9111’s commitment to supporting polio eradication efforts, urging Nigerians to work together towards a polio-free worid
