This post has already been read 2960 times!

By Confidence Ogadimma

In a remarkable gesture of compassion and inclusion, the Rotary Club of Abuja Sapphire, District 9127, has empowered polio survivours in the Federal Capital Territory with the donation of wheelchairs, reaffirming its commitment to Rotary International’s global campaign to eradicate polio and uplift those living with its effects.

The humanitarian event, held at Barcelona Hotel, Wuse 2, Abuja, was part of activities marking World Polio Month, themed “From Paralysis to Prevention: The Story of Polio.” It drew together members of the Rotary family, healthcare professionals, disability advocates, and beneficiaries who shared powerful stories of resilience and hope.

President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Sapphire, Dr. Patrick Ifeanyi Oramah (PHF), said the wheelchair donation reflects Rotary’s long-standing mission of service to humanity and inclusion for all.

“October is a significant month for Rotary globally, as we renew our commitment to eradicating poliomyelitis and supporting survivours,” Dr. Oramah stated. “The donation of these wheelchairs is both an act of service and a call for inclusion. It’s about empowering persons with disabilities to live meaningful and productive lives.”

Dr. Oramah commended the courage of polio survivors who have turned their life challenges into platforms of advocacy and inspiration, describing them as “true heroes who remind society that disability is not inability.”

He further urged Nigerians of goodwill to join hands with Rotary in building a more compassionate and inclusive society. “Every act of kindness contributes to building a world where no one is left behind,” he said.

The highlight of the event was the distribution of over ten wheelchairs to polio survivors, many of whom shared emotional words of appreciation.

One of the beneficiaries, Esther Isaac, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Rotary Club, describing the gesture as “life-changing.”

“As a polio survivor, it’s not easy moving around, crawling on the ground, or struggling with crutches,” she said. “But thank God for this wheelchair — it will enable us to move freely and live more independently. May God bless the Rotary Club of Sapphire for this act of love.”

Another beneficiary, Mr. Godwin Iorsase, praised the club’s leadership for remembering persons living with disabilities, calling on others to emulate the gesture.

“Everyone involved in this—from the leadership of the Rotary Club to the least volunteer—may God bless and increase them,” he said. “I hope more well-meaning Nigerians will follow their example so that life can be easier for people facing one challenge or another.”

Medical Experts and Caregivers Join the Conversation

The event also featured insightful discussions led by Pharm. Sylvia Oluchi Asogwa, a young pharmacist and public health advocate, and Dr. Elizabeth Fadahunsi, a pediatrician with the National Hospital, Abuja.

Both speakers underscored the importance of sustained vaccination, post-polio0 praised Rotary’s global advocacy for “keeping polio eradication at the forefront of international health priorities.”

Stories of Courage and Faith

Also in attendance were Mr. and Mrs. Tanko and ThankGod Bissala, parents of an adopted polio survivour, who shared their deeply moving story of adopting a four-year-old abandoned boy, Justine Hassan, and raising him with love and faith.

Their story of compassion and perseverance drew emotional applause from the audience and underscored the enduring message of hope that characterized the evening.

A Renewed Global Mission

The event, held in collaboration with Rotary International and the Unite for Polio Campaign, reinforced the organization’s resolve to completely eradicate poliomyelitis worldwide while empowering survivors through inclusion and support.

Closing the event, Dr. Oramah expressed optimism about the future: “Rotary has made tremendous progress in reducing global polio cases by 99%.
‘“_But we must not stop until the last case is gone. Every wheelchair, every vaccine, and every act of kindness brings us closer to that goal.”

As the newly donated wheelchairs rolled out to grateful beneficiaries, the atmosphere was filled with joy and renewed purpose — a reminder that with collective goodwill and service, communities can rise from paralysis to prevention, from exclusion to empowerment.

ABUJA BUSINESS REPORTS NEWSPAPER & MAGAZINE