World Polio Day 2026: No child should be paralysed by disease that can be prevented – Bukola Bakare, Rotary Governor

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark World Polio Day on October 24, Bukola Olabisi Bakare, the District Governor of Rotary International District 9111, covering Lagos and Ogun States, has appealed to parents, government authorities, community leaders and Nigerians generally to take the fight against polio seriously and ensure that every child is protected through vaccination.

Bakare expressed concern that children are still at risk of contracting polio despite the availability of vaccines to prevent the disease.

“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? As a mother and grandmother, I cannot imagine the pain of watching a child suffer from something that could have been prevented. This is why I am appealing to every parent to ensure that their children are vaccinated. We must protect our children.”

She recalled that Nigeria was certified free of wild poliovirus in 2020, describing the achievement as one that every Nigerian should be proud of. However, she warned that the country must not allow the success to create a false sense of security, particularly as outbreaks of variant poliovirus continue 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.”

Bakare noted that Rotary International began its polio eradication efforts in 1979 and launched PolioPlus in 1985, long before many people fully appreciated the importance of eliminating the disease.

“For over four decades, Rotarians have given their time, resources and personal contributions towards ending polio. Some have travelled into difficult communities to support vaccination campaigns. Others have raised money, educated parents and worked with health professionals. We have made tremendous progress, but our work is not finished.”

She commended the efforts of the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the Gates Foundation, government health agencies and other partners who have continued to support vaccination programmes across the world.

The District Governor also drew attention to the importance of reaching children in rural and underserved communities, where access to healthcare and reliable information may be limited.

“We must pay particular attention to children in communities where healthcare services are difficult to access. 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 urged parents not to allow rumours or misinformation to prevent their children from receiving lifesaving vaccines, stressing that vaccination remains one of the most effective ways of preventing polio.

“I want to appeal especially to our mothers, fathers and grandparents. Please listen to qualified health professionals. When vaccination teams come to your communities, cooperate with them. Make sure your children receive all the recommended doses. Do not allow fear or rumours to put their future at risk.”

Speaking on Rotary’s activities to raise awareness about polio, Bakare highlighted the Polio Boat Regatta held on October 17, 2026, which was jointly organised by Rotary International Districts 9111 and 9112.

She also mentioned the forthcoming Polio Awareness Train Ride from Lagos to Abeokuta, scheduled for October 31, as another opportunity to educate the public, raise funds and encourage more Nigerians to support the campaign to end polio.

“We are using every opportunity to remind people that polio is still a concern. Whether through our boat regatta, train ride or community programmes, we want Nigerians to understand why vaccination is important and why we must continue supporting the fight against polio.”

Bakare appealed to corporate organisations, philanthropists and well-meaning Nigerians to support Rotary’s End Polio Now campaign, noting that contributions of different sizes can help sustain vaccination and eradication efforts.

“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 also called on governments at all levels to continue supporting immunisation programmes, particularly in communities where children are at greater risk of missing routine vaccinations.

The District Governor praised health workers and volunteers who continue to work under difficult conditions to ensure that children receive vaccines.

“I want to specially appreciate our health workers. Many of them leave their homes very early, travel long distances and enter communities that are not easy to reach, just to make sure children are vaccinated. Their dedication deserves our respect and support.”

She further appealed to newspapers, television stations, radio stations and digital media practitioners to give more attention to public education on polio and childhood immunisation.

“As journalists, you have an important role to play. The information you publish can encourage a mother to take her child for vaccination. It can correct a dangerous misconception and help a family make the right decision. I am asking our friends in the media to continue supporting this campaign.”

Reflecting on the future, Bakare expressed hope that the world would soon celebrate the complete eradication of polio, just as it did with smallpox.

“I look forward to the day when we will no longer hear of any child being paralysed by polio anywhere in the world. I believe that day is possible, but it will not happen if we relax our efforts now.

“As a mother, grandmother and Rotarian, I want every child to have the opportunity to grow up healthy, go to school, play with friends and enjoy childhood without the suffering that polio can cause.

“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.”

Bakare reaffirmed the commitment of Rotary International District 9111 to supporting polio eradication efforts and urged Nigerians to join Rotary in making a polio free world a reality.

“Let us work towards a future where our children and grandchildren will only read about polio in history books. That would be one of the greatest gifts we could give them.”