TINUBU SEEKS STRONGER ROTARY PARTNERSHIP TO ADVANCE HEALTHCARE AND END POLIO

President Bola Tinubu has praised Rotary International for its contribution to the successful elimination of wild polio in Nigeria and across Africa.

The president made the remarks in Abuja during a special dinner held to celebrate the inauguration of Olayinka Hakeem Babalola as the president of Rotary International.

Represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, Tinubu expressed Nigeria’s appreciation for Rotary’s support in the fight against polio and other public health challenges.

He called for stronger cooperation between the government and Rotary International in key areas including healthcare, education, youth empowerment and community development.

Tinubu described Rotary’s involvement in the global polio eradication campaign as a major example of how international partnerships can achieve significant public health outcomes.

He noted that Nigeria’s journey from being affected by wild polio to becoming free of the disease was made possible through commitment, scientific efforts and collaboration among different stakeholders.

The president said the dedication of Rotary members helped save the lives of millions of African children and aligned with his administration’s focus on improving human capital through healthcare, education and social programmes.

He stressed that government alone cannot achieve sustainable development and encouraged Rotary to expand its partnership with Nigeria in areas such as maternal and child health, primary healthcare, literacy, skills development and entrepreneurship.

Tinubu also congratulated Babalola on becoming the second African to head Rotary International in its more than 120-year history, describing the achievement as a source of pride for Nigeria and the continent.

Speaking at the event, Babalola said Rotary measures its success by the positive impact it creates in communities rather than the number of activities it organises.

He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ending polio globally through its EndPolioNow campaign, while warning that efforts must continue until the disease is completely eradicated worldwide.

Babalola also highlighted Rotary’s programmes aimed at reducing maternal and newborn deaths, improving healthcare systems and supporting disease prevention initiatives in several Nigerian states.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who also attended the event, described Babalola’s emergence as Rotary International president as a significant milestone for Africa and encouraged him to create opportunities for more Africans to lead the organisation in the future.