By Muhammad Amaan
The Rotary Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating polio, preventing disease, and protecting mothers and children across communities in Nigeria.
The foundation’s Chairman and former Rotary International President, Mr Holger Knaack, made the pledge during his week-long visit to Nigeria, which ends on Friday.
Mr Knaack, who is visiting with his spouse, Susanne, began the tour on Saturday and has since held engagements with Rotary leaders, government officials, and partners, including the Federal Ministry of Health and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), as part of efforts to strengthen health systems and expand humanitarian interventions.
According to a statement by the Rotary Public Image Coordinator for Zone 22, Region 27, Ibim Semenitari, Knaack also participated in a polio immunisation field exercise during the visit.
He further inspected Rotary’s Programme of Scale — Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria, which supports maternal and child health in various communities, as well as project sites in the Federal Capital Territory and Akwa Ibom State, where the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge is underway.
The visit also featured donor-recognition events and meetings with local Rotary districts.
Rotary Foundation Trustee, Ijeoma Okoro, said the organisation remained committed to advancing social impact.
“The Rotary Foundation transforms generosity into impact. From vaccines that save children to programmes that empower mothers, our work in Nigeria shows what service and compassion can achieve. Rotary’s work in Nigeria continues to inspire the world,” she said.
Also speaking, Rotary International President-Elect, Yinka Babalola, noted that Rotary’s mission extended beyond ending polio.
“Our shared goal is not only to end polio but to build lasting systems that keep families healthy and strong,” Babalola said.
