Rotary International, through the National PolioPlus Committee, has paid a courtesy visit to the National Commission for Persons with Disabilities ahead of the 2025 World Polio Day scheduled for October 24.
The visit was part of Rotary’s stakeholder engagement to sustain Nigeria’s polio-free status and promote inclusion for polio survivors.
In a statement by the Head of Media and Publicity of the Commission, Ishaku Kigbu, the delegation was led by Mrs. Grace Sadiku, Kaduna State Polio Field Coordinator, who represented the National PolioPlus Chair.
She commended the Executive Secretary of the Commission, Hon. Ayuba Gufwan, for his advocacy and invited the agency to participate in this year’s national activities marking World Polio Day. She noted that Rotary remains committed to supporting polio survivors and strengthening partnerships for disability inclusion.
Responding, Gufwan, a polio survivor and founder of Wheelchairs for Nigeria, assured Rotary of the Commission’s participation. He praised the organisation’s role in polio eradication campaigns and said sustained support systems would enable survivors to live independently and contribute to national development.
He referenced former United States President Franklin D. Roosevelt as an example of leadership despite disability, saying his life proves that there is ability in disability.
The 2025 observance of World Polio Day will feature national advocacy campaigns, community outreach and empowerment activities for persons affected by polio.