Rotary International has commended the Bayelsa State Government for its unwavering commitment to combating poliomyelitis and other preventable diseases.
The commendation was delivered by the Governor of Rotary District 9141, Rotarian Anthony Osaretin Woghiren, during a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, at Government House, Yenagoa over the weekend.
Rotarian Woghiren reiterated that the impressive health indices credited to Bayelsa in recent years, particularly in immunization, demonstrate the seriousness and dedication of the Governor Douye Diri-led administration in improving healthcare delivery across the state.
This was contained in a statement signed by Mr Doubara Atasi, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Deputy Governor.
It reads: “I am particularly happy to be here in Bayelsa State. We appreciate the efforts of the Bayelsa State Government in the fight to eradicate the polio virus through the immunization programmes. We are fully aware that you are the Chairman of the immunization taskforce in the state, which is clearly the State is doing very well. The progress report of Bayelsa in recent years is quite impressive.
“One of the priorities of Rotary International is to fight against the polio virus everywhere. This year we have decided to bring district’s polio activity programme to Yenagoa. Come the 17th to 18th of October, all the rotarians from the four states will come to Bayelsa.
“So, we are here to seek your support; your approval for us to host the event here. It entails immunization campaign, and polio seminar. People will be coming here from the WHO, UNICEF, and the Nigerian National Polio Committee.
“We also appeal to the Bayelsa State Government to fulfill its earlier promise to provide a piece of land for the building of a Rotary Centre in Yenagoa.”
In response, Senator Ewhrudjakpo lauded Rotary International for its long-standing role in addressing societal challenges, especially in health and humanitarian services.
He congratulated Rotarian Woghiren on his successful election and assured the organization of the state government’s support for the upcoming polio sensitization programme as well as other strategic collaborations.
However, the Deputy Governor urged Rotary International to engage the Federal Government to demonstrate greater commitment to eradicating the mutated polio virus across Nigeria.
He said: “Floating of pretentious data, rather than real coverage will not do us any good. In fact, it is the reason we now have the circulating variant of the polio virus in some states. The Federal Government must ensure that polio immunization campaigns are carried out effectively in every local government, every district and community in Nigeria.”
Rotarian Woghiren was accompanied on the visit by his would-be successor, Dr Anthony Olikagu, and other top-ranking Rotarians.