President Bola Tinubu has praised Rotary International for its significant contribution to eliminating wild polio in Nigeria and across Africa, while calling for stronger collaboration in key areas of national development.
The President made the remarks at a presidential inaugural dinner held in Abuja in honour of Olayinka Hakeem Babalola, the newly inaugurated President of Rotary International. He was represented at the event by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume.
Tinubu expressed appreciation for Rotary’s longstanding commitment to the global fight against polio, describing the organisation’s efforts as a remarkable example of international cooperation in public health.
He noted that Nigeria’s success in overcoming wild polio was achieved through sustained partnerships, scientific innovation and dedicated service, adding that millions of children across Africa have benefited from Rotary’s commitment to the cause.
The President said the organisation’s core values of service, leadership, integrity, fellowship and diversity complement the objectives of his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises healthcare, education, youth empowerment, social welfare and job creation.
He stressed that government alone cannot achieve sustainable national development and invited Rotary to expand its partnership with the Federal Government in areas such as primary healthcare, maternal and child health, literacy, basic education, youth skills development and enterprise support.
Tinubu also congratulated Babalola on becoming only the second African to serve as President of Rotary International, describing the achievement as a source of pride for both Nigeria and the African continent.
In his address, Babalola reaffirmed Rotary International’s commitment to ending polio globally through its EndPolioNow campaign, noting that the fight must continue until the disease is completely eradicated worldwide.
He also highlighted the organisation’s ongoing health initiatives, including programmes aimed at reducing maternal and newborn deaths in Abuja, Nasarawa, Gombe and Ekiti states, as well as community projects targeting malaria, diarrhoea and pneumonia in Kebbi and Akwa Ibom states.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who also attended the event, described Babalola’s emergence as a landmark achievement for Africa and encouraged him to inspire more Africans to attain the organisation’s highest office in the future.
