Rotary international raising awareness on polio.
• Rotary International raises awareness on polio
By Marie-Therese Nanlong
Jos – Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has felicitated with children on the 2024 children’s day celebration, applauding their resilience, dedication, and unwavering determination in the pursuit of their lofty aspirations despite challenges they encounter in their educational journey.
The Governor in a statement by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Gyang Bere said that as “the vanguards of tomorrow and the architects of Nigeria’s future, children are divine gifts deserving of mentorship, unwavering care, guidance, and support from parents, government, and policymakers, to foster an environment that is conducive to their holistic development.”
He urged parents to embrace their role as primary nurturers of the children by instilling the values of integrity and godliness in them, while advocating for mentorship under the guidance of teachers and altruistic individuals, to collectively nurture a society imbued with moral rectitude and devoid of crime.
Governor Mutfwang highlighted the seriousness of his administration over the past year, in instituting robust frameworks and prioritising the restoration of quality education in the state, and warned perpetrators of child trafficking, child labour, violence against children, or any form of abuse, of the uncompromising stance of his administration, promising swift and decisive action against such transgressors.
Meanwhile, the Rotary International District 9125 also used the occasion of the celebration to appeal to mothers to present their children from 0-5 years for polio immunisation saying such is to secure a brighter future for the children.
The Rotary members took the campaign to the popular Chobe market in the Jos North local government area where they engaged women and children in the awareness creation.
Addressing the women, Rotn Jane Egbo, the District Polio Chair of District 9125, and Rotn Hauwa Eferemo, the Zonal Coordinator of Zone 4 (Polio Committee) urged them to help eradicate polio in communities by ensuring the timely immunisation of children.
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According to Egbo, “Today is Children’s Day so the Rotary International District 9125 decided to have a walk and create awareness about polio. We are at Chobe to talk to the women in the market. Although Nigeria has been certified as polio-free, we still notice some occurrences. Polio is still around so we are asking mothers to still present their children for immunisation so that they don’t record any paralysis.
“The children won’t be happy when they grow up and see that they are different from other children, mothers should do the right thing now so that their children don’t blame them in the future. This awareness is our gift to the children so that parents who don’t know about polio should know and take the necessary action to prevent it. We are using about 10 Nigerian languages to create awareness…”
