…As Monarch Shares Personal Polio Experience, Urges Parents To Embrace Vaccination
Jelil Abiodun
The Rotary Club of Abeokuta Royal, in partnership with the Solution Foundation, on Saturday empowered widows and promoted health awareness through a free medical outreach in Papalanto, Ewekoro Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The one-day community service tagged “End Polio Now” featured three phases — widow empowerment, health talk, and free medical check-up with drug distribution.
The outreach, held under the Rotary International’s Community Economic Development Project, also included a courtesy visit to the Onipapa of Papalanto, Oba Rasak Famuyiwa, who commended the organisers for extending humanitarian support to his community.
Speaking during the visit, Oba Famuyiwa shared a personal story about his daughter who contracted polio due to ignorance and lack of awareness about immunisation.
“Because my wife and I were not aware of what polio was at the time, it took us a long while before we realised what was wrong with our daughter,” the monarch recounted emotionally.
“I’m de
eply grateful for this programme because it will help educate more parents in my community about the importance of vaccination and early health intervention,” he added.
In his address, the 2025/2026 President of the Rotary Club of Abeokuta Royal and founder of Solution Foundation, Rtn. (Arc.) John Ogunmuyiwa, emphasized that the fight against polio remains a top priority for the club.
“Polio eradication is one of the core areas of focus for Rotary. We want every parent to understand that immunisation is a right and a responsibility,” Ogunmuyiwa said.
“When health workers visit communities, parents must allow them to vaccinate their children. That’s the only way to achieve a polio-free society,” he added.
Ogunmuyiwa, who also spoke on maternal and child health, noted that healthcare extends beyond childbirth.
“Maternity care goes beyond delivery. It includes awareness about vaccinations, regular medical check-ups, and access to essential healthcare services,” he explained.
The Co-chairman of the club, Rtn. Akinola Bayo, cautioned against the misuse of herbal remedies, urging residents to seek professional medical attention when ill.
“Healthcare is not something to toy with. Once you notice you’re not feeling well, visit the nearest healthcare centre for proper diagnosis and treatment,” he advised.
The event ended with the distribution of food items, drugs, and other relief materials to widows in the community, many of whom expressed deep gratitude to the organisers.
One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Funmilayo Adebayo, described the outreach as “a huge relief.”
“They gave us food, free medical check-ups, and even drugs. We are so grateful for their love and generosity,” she said.
The widows also offered prayers for the continued growth of the Rotary Club and the Solution Foundation, urging other well-meaning organisations to emulate the gesture.
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