World Polio Day Celebration Promotes Childhood Immunisation, Attracts Public Interest in Rotary Membership, and Strengthens Collaboration for a Polio-Free World
By Philip Afolabi
The Rotary Club of Lekki Phase 1, in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Victoria Island East, Rotary Club of Bourdillon Prestige, Rotaract Club of Lekki Phase 1, and Cycology Cycling Club, has reinforced the global fight against polio through a cycling campaign, public awareness walk, and community engagement across Lekki and Ikoyi, Lagos, to commemorate World Polio Day on October 24, 2026.
Organised under the Rotary theme “Creating Lasting Impact” and the global campaign “End Polio Now,” the initiative brought together Rotarians, cyclists, and members of the public to promote polio eradication, encourage childhood immunisation, and strengthen collective responsibility for healthier communities.
The campaign demonstrated how sports, public education, and community partnerships can be harnessed to advance an important humanitarian cause while introducing more people to Rotary’s commitment to service.
FROM LEKKI PHASE 1 TO IKOYI: ROTARIANS TAKE POLIO AWARENESS TO THE STREETS
One of the major highlights of the celebration was a polio awareness walk from Lekki Phase 1 to Ikoyi. During the walk, Rotarians distributed educational flyers to members of the public, drawing attention to the importance of polio eradication and the need to immunise children against polio and other childhood diseases.
The participants also raised the End Polio Now banner, reinforcing Rotary’s commitment to protecting children and advancing the global campaign to eradicate the disease.
Beyond raising awareness, the walk generated encouraging public interest in Rotary’s humanitarian activities. Many people encountered during the campaign asked questions not only about how they could contribute to ending polio but also about how to become members of a Rotary club.
This response highlighted the potential of community outreach to achieve two important objectives: educating the public about critical health issues and encouraging more people to become involved in humanitarian service.
Through direct engagement, flyer distribution, and the public display of the End Polio Now banner, the participating Rotarians took Rotary’s message beyond formal meetings and into the communities they serve.
CYCLING AND WALKING CAMPAIGN PROMOTES A POLIO-FREE WORLD
The World Polio Day programme featured polio awareness and eradication activities in partnership with Cycology Cycling Club, scheduled for 6:00 a.m. at Hereplay Club, Ruxton Road, Ikoyi, with the Ikoyi Link Bridge also identified as a campaign location on the event banner. The polio walk was scheduled for 7:00 a.m. along the Ikoyi-Lekki axis.
The cycling initiative provided an additional platform for drawing public attention to the fight against polio, demonstrating how sporting communities can support health advocacy and community development.
Participating clubs included the Rotary Club of Lekki Phase 1, Rotary Club of Victoria Island East, Rotary Club of Bourdillon Prestige, and Rotaract Club of Lekki Phase 1, working alongside Cycology Cycling Club.
The campaign reinforced Rotary International’s message encouraging everyone to play a part in polio eradication by supporting immunisation and helping to protect children from preventable diseases.
DISTINGUISHED ROTARY LEADERS GRACE THE GATHERING
The gathering brought together distinguished Rotary personalities and members of the cycling community. Among those introduced to the high table were Worldwide Captain Ladipo Soetan and Past Assistant Governor (PAG) Yemi Osilaja.
Other notable personalities included PAG Funso, PAG Rtn. Bala Yusuf, Rtn. Oluwaseun Jaiyesimi, President of the Rotary Club of Victoria Island East, and Winifred Ebiye, President of the Rotary Club of Bourdillon.
Their presence reflected the spirit of fellowship and collaboration that brings Rotary leaders, members, and community partners together in pursuit of shared humanitarian objectives.
PAG FUNSO HIGHLIGHTS ROTARY’S VALUES AND SUPPORT FOR THE ROTARY FOUNDATION
In his remarks, PAG Funso spoke about the psychology of Rotary, highlighting the values, motivations, and service-oriented mindset that sustain Rotary fellowship and community impact.
He also discussed the club’s contributions beyond sports and cycling, recalling its support for The Rotary Foundation, including contributions of $10,000 at a time.
His remarks underscored the importance of financial commitment to Rotary’s humanitarian mission and international service initiatives, demonstrating that Rotary’s impact extends beyond visible community projects to supporting broader causes that improve lives.
CYCOLOGY CYCLING CLUB RECEIVES CERTIFICATE OF APPRECIATION
In recognition of its contributions and participation, PAG Funso presented a Certificate of Appreciation to the cycling group.
The cycling captain expressed gratitude for the recognition, appreciating the acknowledgement of the group’s involvement. Rtn. Dimeji, speaking on behalf of the cycling club, also thanked the organisers and called for greater collaboration and stronger partnerships in the future.
The presentation highlighted the importance of cooperation between Rotary clubs and community organisations in advancing humanitarian causes, strengthening relationships, and promoting public awareness.
The cycling club’s involvement further demonstrated how sporting activities can serve as effective platforms for advocacy and community engagement.
PUBLIC INTEREST IN ROTARY MEMBERSHIP: A PROMISING OUTCOME
One of the encouraging outcomes of the campaign was the interest shown by members of the public in learning more about Rotary membership.
As Rotarians interacted with residents along the Lekki-to-Ikoyi route, distributed awareness materials, and promoted the End Polio Now message, many people became curious about Rotary’s work and how they could join a club.
Their questions about membership provided an opportunity to introduce Rotary’s values of fellowship, integrity, service, and community development to a wider audience.
The response reinforced the importance of taking Rotary’s message into public spaces, where direct engagement can inspire people to explore opportunities to contribute their time, skills, and resources towards meaningful causes.
A UNITED COMMITMENT TO CREATING LASTING IMPACT
The World Polio Day celebration demonstrated the power of collaboration, public education, and community participation in advancing the global effort to eradicate polio.
Through the leadership of the Rotary Club of Lekki Phase 1 and the participation of its collaborating Rotary and Rotaract clubs and Cycology Cycling Club, the campaign combined cycling, an awareness walk, flyer distribution, and public engagement to promote a shared humanitarian goal.
The initiative also highlighted the importance of childhood immunisation, sustained public awareness, and partnerships in protecting future generations from preventable diseases.
Beyond the immediate campaign, the public’s interest in Rotary membership offered an encouraging reminder that community service can inspire others to become part of a wider movement for positive change.
As Rotary and its partners continue to support the fight against polio, the message remains clear: every opportunity to educate, engage, and mobilise communities brings renewed attention to the goal of a polio-free world.
ELITIST MAGAZINE INTERNATIONAL …Celebrating Humanity
