Rotary club Ogunu immunizes children, empowers traders ahead of World Polio Day.

As part of activities to mark World Polio Day on October 24, the Rotary Club of Ogunu has immunized over 50 children under the age of five against the poliovirus and empowered 23 traders across markets in Warri, Delta State.

The outreach, held at the Ugbuwangue Market, featured free immunization for children and the donation of branded umbrellas to traders to help protect their wares from sun and rain. The initiative underscores Rotary International’s long-standing commitment to eradicating poliovirus globally, especially in regions where it remains endemic, such as Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Speaking during the event, President of the Rotary Club of Ogunu, Rotarian Osamuyi Omokha, encouraged parents and guardians at Ugbuwangue and Okere markets, as well as London Opi Street, to take advantage of the exercise and get their children vaccinated against the disease. He said the programme was aimed at safeguarding children from paralysis caused by the poliovirus.

Omokha also advised the traders who benefitted from the club’s umbrella donation to handle them with care, noting that the gesture would inspire the club to assist others whose umbrellas may have worn out. He explained that the initiative aligns with two of Rotary’s seven areas of focus from economic and community development, to maternal and child health.

Project Chairman, Rotarian Anthony Eleh, said the 23 beneficiaries were carefully selected after the project committee visited the markets on a need-assessment tour. According to him, the club decided to support traders who genuinely needed assistance while also promoting public health awareness.

The traders at Ugbuwangue and Okere markets expressed joy and appreciation to the Rotary Club of Ogunu for the donation. At London Opi Street and its environs, traders who received Rotary-branded umbrellas said the support came at a time when many could not afford to replace their damaged umbrellas due to the harsh economy. They prayed for God’s blessings on the members of the club.

Earlier in the event, the Vice President of the club, Rotarian Onome Eboe-Ogoro, delivered a sensitization talk on the importance of the polio vaccine. 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 enlightened attendees on the dangers of polio and the preventive benefits of vaccination.

They emphasized that parents and guardians should ensure their children receive the polio vaccine as a vital step toward total eradication of the disease.

The initiative, according to the Rotary Club of Ogunu, forms part of its contribution to the global fight against polio as the world prepares to commemorate World Polio Day on October 24.