World Polio Day Campaign Promotes Immunisation, Public Awareness and Rotary Membership

By Philip Afolabi

Under the leadership of Rotarian Winifred Ebiye, Impactful President of the Rotary Club of Bourdillon Prestige, the club marked this year’s World Polio Day with a polio awareness walk and cycling campaign in partnership with Cycology Cycling Club and other Rotary clubs in Lagos.

The campaign, held on October 24, 2026, brought together the Rotary Club of Lekki Phase 1, Rotary Club of Victoria Island East, Rotaract Club of Lekki Phase 1, and Cycology Cycling Club to promote the global “End Polio Now” campaign and strengthen public awareness about polio eradication.
The activities featured cycling and an awareness walk from Lekki Phase 1 to Ikoyi, alongside the distribution of flyers to members of the public. The initiative encouraged parents and caregivers to immunise children against polio and other childhood diseases, reinforcing the importance of vaccination in protecting children and building healthier communities.
Participants also raised the End Polio Now banner, demonstrating their collective commitment to a polio-free world. The campaign’s activities included a cycling session at Hereplay Club, Ruxton Road, Ikoyi, and along the Ikoyi-Lekki axis.

A remarkable highlight was the public’s response to the campaign. Several people expressed interest in learning how they could contribute to the fight against polio, while others enquired about joining Rotary clubs, reflecting the campaign’s wider impact in promoting humanitarian service and community participation.
Distinguished personalities at the event included Worldwide Captain Ladipo Soetan and PAG Yemi Osilaja. Also present were PAG Funso, PAG Rtn. Bala Yusuf, Rtn. Oluwaseun Jaiyesimi, President of the Rotary Club of Victoria Island East, and Rotarian Winifred Ebiye, President of the Rotary Club of Bourdillon Prestige.

Speaking during the event, PAG Funso highlighted the psychology and values of Rotary, emphasising that the organisation’s impact extends beyond sporting and cycling activities. He also cited contributions of $10,000 at a time to The Rotary Foundation as an example of Rotary’s commitment to humanitarian service.
In recognition of its participation and support, PAG Funso presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Cycology Cycling Club. Rtn. Dimeji, speaking on behalf of the cycling group, expressed gratitude for the recognition and called for sustained collaboration on future initiatives.

The World Polio Day campaign demonstrated the power of partnership, public engagement and community service in advancing the global effort to eradicate polio. Under Rotarian Winifred Ebiye’s leadership, the Rotary Club of Bourdillon Prestige and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to raising awareness, encouraging immunisation and creating lasting impact in society.