As part of the activities to commemorate World Polio Day on October 24, the Rotary Club of Ogunu has vaccinated more than 50 children under the age of five against polio and provided support to 23 traders in various markets across Warri, Delta State.
The outreach, which took place at Ugbuwangue Market, offered free polio vaccinations for children and included the distribution of branded umbrellas to traders to shield their goods from the sun and rain.
The initiative reflects Rotary International’s ongoing dedication to the global fight against polio, particularly in countries where the virus is still present, like Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Speaking at the event, President of the Rotary Club of Ogunu, Rotarian Osamuyi Omokha, urged parents and guardians in Ugbuwangue and Okere markets, as well as along London Opi Street, to take advantage of the free vaccination campaign and protect their children from the paralysis caused by poliovirus. He explained that the programme was designed to help safeguard children’s health.
Omokha also encouraged the traders who received Rotary-branded umbrellas to make good use of them, noting that the thoughtful gesture could pave the way for future support to others in need. He added that the project reflects two of Rotary’s core areas of focus—economic and community development, and maternal and child health.
Project Chairman, Rotarian Anthony Eleh, explained that the 23 traders who received umbrellas were carefully chosen following a needs assessment tour carried out by the project committee. He said the goal was to assist traders who truly required support while also raising awareness about public health.
Traders in Ugbuwangue and Okere markets expressed their gratitude to the Rotary Club of Ogunu for the timely support. Those around London Opi Street shared how meaningful the donation was, especially in light of current economic challenges that have made it difficult for many to replace worn-out umbrellas. They offered prayers for continued blessings on the club and its members.
Earlier in the outreach, Vice President of the club, Rotarian Onome Eboe-Ogoro, delivered an awareness talk on the importance of polio vaccination. Other speakers—including Queen Obejor, Past Assistant District Governor Rotarian Felix Adeoye, Assistant District Governor Zone 9 Rotarian Osaro Igbinaduwa, and Rotarian Daniel Oji—also spoke about the dangers of polio and the life-saving power of vaccines.
They all stressed the importance of ensuring every child receives the polio vaccine as a critical step toward eradicating the disease completely.
According to the Rotary Club of Ogunu, the outreach is part of its contribution to the global fight against polio as the world prepares to mark World Polio Day on October 24.
