District Governors Layi Abidoye and Bukola Bakare Lead Rotarians in a Day of Advocacy, Community Engagement, Fellowship and Celebration
By Elitist 
Rotary Districts 9111 and 9112 have reaffirmed their commitment to the global fight against polio by taking an awareness campaign to Takwa Bay, an aquatic community in Lagos State, through an engaging boat regatta organised in commemoration of World Polio Day 2026.
The memorable event brought together distinguished Rotary leaders, Polio Ambassadors and Rotarians from both districts in a united effort to promote public awareness, educate community members and sustain the global campaign towards a polio-free world.
Combining advocacy, community engagement, fellowship and entertainment, the initiative demonstrated Rotary’s commitment to taking its humanitarian message directly to the people while strengthening collective responsibility in the fight against polio.
TAKING THE POLIO-FREE MESSAGE ACROSS TAKWA BAY
The awareness campaign reached different parts of Takwa Bay, where participating Rotarians and campaign advocates spread the message of polio eradication through songs, flyers and other educational materials.
Leading the delegation were District Governor Layi Abidoye of Rotary District 9112 and District Governor Bukola Bakare of Rotary District 9111, alongside Polio Ambassadors and other prominent Rotary leaders.
A notable contributor to the outreach was Dr. Carolyna Hutchings, a Polio Ambassador and member of the Rotary Club of Bourdillon, who actively participated in educating residents about polio eradication and distributing awareness flyers.
Her involvement underscored the importance of community-based health education and the need to make essential public health information accessible to residents, particularly in communities where direct engagement can significantly strengthen awareness.
Also contributing to the campaign were Rotarian Taiye Lawal, Lagos Representative for the Zero Polio Campaign 2026; Rotarian Bolatito; Rotarian Adewole Farinu, President of the Rotary Club of Minimah Estate; and other committed Rotarians.
Through their collective efforts, the participants reinforced the message that sustained public awareness, community participation and continued commitment remain essential to achieving a polio-free world.
VILLAGE PALACE HOSTS POLIO AWARENESS SESSION
One of the significant highlights of the outreach was the delegation’s visit to the palace of the Head of the Village, where an awareness session was held to educate community representatives about polio and the continuing efforts required to eradicate the disease.
The engagement provided an opportunity for Rotary leaders and campaign participants to emphasise the importance of public education, community cooperation and sustained action in protecting future generations from polio.
The visit also highlighted the value of engaging traditional institutions and community leaders in promoting health awareness and encouraging local participation in global humanitarian initiatives.
The message delivered throughout the engagement was clear: the world must sustain its collective efforts to keep polio at zero and achieve a future free of the disease.
DISTRICT GOVERNORS RAISE THE FLAG FOR A POLIO-FREE WORLD
A defining moment of the campaign was the symbolic flag-raising ceremony led by District Governor Layi Abidoye of Rotary District 9112 and District Governor Bukola Bakare of Rotary District 9111.
The gesture represented the shared determination of both districts to sustain advocacy, strengthen public awareness and support the global drive to eradicate polio.
Their participation further demonstrated Rotary’s continued commitment to humanitarian service and the protection of vulnerable populations against preventable diseases.
The presence of other Rotary leaders and campaign advocates reinforced the importance of collaboration, purposeful leadership and collective responsibility in advancing the global polio eradication campaign.
DISTINGUISHED ROTARY LEADERS GRACE THE OCCASION
The event attracted an impressive gathering of distinguished members of the Rotary family, including past district governors, district governors-elect, district governor-nominees and other prominent Rotarians.
Among the notable personalities in attendance were Past District Governor Omotunde Lawson, Chief Executive Officer of Chrishill School; Past District Governor Femi Adenekan; and Past District Governor Ifenyinwa Ejezie, alongside other past district governors and leading members of Rotary.
Their presence added distinction to the occasion and reflected the enduring commitment of Rotary leaders to humanitarian service, community development and the global campaign to eradicate polio.
Beyond the advocacy activities, the gathering provided an opportunity for Rotarians from both districts to strengthen professional relationships, renew friendships and celebrate the spirit of fellowship that remains central to Rotary’s service culture.
DELICIOUS MEALS, MUSIC AND FELLOWSHIP ADD COLOUR TO THE REGATTA
Beyond its humanitarian purpose, the Takwa Bay boat regatta was also a celebration of friendship, unity and shared commitment.
The organising committee ensured that participants were well catered for, serving delicious meals accompanied by assorted drinks throughout the occasion. The thoughtful hospitality added warmth to the gathering and contributed to the memorable experience enjoyed by the attendees.
The atmosphere was further enlivened by melodious music supplied by a disc jockey (DJ), whose selections provided a lively soundtrack for the celebration. Games, jokes, birthday celebrations and other entertaining activities added excitement, encouraging interaction and strengthening the bonds of friendship among participants.
The combination of purposeful advocacy, generous hospitality, music and recreational activities created a balanced and enjoyable programme, demonstrating that meaningful humanitarian initiatives can also provide opportunities for relaxation, fellowship and celebration.
For the participating Rotarians, the occasion was more than a boat regatta. It was an opportunity to take an important global health message to the community while celebrating the values of service, generosity, unity and friendship.
SUSTAINING THE GLOBAL FIGHT AGAINST POLIO
The Takwa Bay campaign reinforced the importance of keeping polio eradication firmly on the public agenda. Through community outreach, educational engagement and the active participation of Rotary leaders and Polio Ambassadors, the initiative demonstrated the impact of collective action in pursuing a shared humanitarian objective.
The contributions of Dr. Carolyna Hutchings and other campaign participants highlighted the role of individual commitment, public education and grassroots engagement in supporting the broader eradication effort.
The joint participation of Rotary Districts 9111 and 9112 also demonstrated the strength of collaboration in advancing a cause that transcends geographical boundaries and requires sustained commitment from individuals, institutions and communities.
As the global fight against polio continues, the message from Takwa Bay remains both timely and compelling: awareness must be sustained, communities must remain engaged, and collective efforts must continue until the world is free of polio.
The event was not only a demonstration of Rotary’s enduring spirit of service but also a celebration of the leaders and members who continue to champion a healthier and safer future for generations to come.
