Ogun State Deputy Governor, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has urged stakeholders, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and individuals to intensify efforts in the fight against polio, a disease that remains prevalent in parts of Africa.
During a courtesy visit from members of Rotary International, District 9111, at her office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, Engr. Salako-Oyedele highlighted the ongoing complacency regarding this childhood killer disease.
Despite Nigeria being declared a polio-free country in 2020, she pointed out that cases of polio variants still exist, emphasizing the critical need for collective action to achieve total eradication.
“The Ogun State government is working diligently with all stakeholders in the immunization sector to ensure our children across various communities receive vaccinations, as this is the best preventive measure we can offer them,” she stated.
“When our communities are healthy, they become vibrant and economically productive. Thus, we must collaborate to enhance the wellbeing of our people.”
The deputy governor commended Rotary members for their dedication and efforts toward polio eradication, urging them to remain steadfast in their mission to make Nigeria a polio-free nation.
Earlier, Dr. Oluwole Kukoyi, Governor of Rotary District 9111, explained that their visit aimed to inform the deputy governor about their advocacy for World Polio Day.
He noted that Rotary International has been involved in the fight against polio since 1979, with a significant commitment to immunization efforts beginning in 1985.
Dr. Kukoyi added that to date, Rotary International has invested over two billion dollars in combating the disease.
