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In a moving ceremony that blended compassion, science, and advocacy, the Rotary Club of Abuja Sapphire, District 9127, reaffirmed Rotary International’s global commitment to eradicating polio during a Polio Talk Show held at the Barcelona Hotel, Wuse 2, Abuja, on Friday, October 17, 2025.

Themed “From Paralysis to Prevention: The Story of Polio,” the event brought together healthcare professionals, caregivers, polio survivors, and parents of affected children, creating an atmosphere charged with emotion, hope, and determination.

The highlight of the evening was the donation of over ten wheelchairs to polio survivors, a gesture that resonated deeply with Rotary’s vision of service and humanity.

“A Legacy of Impact” — Oramah

In his opening remarks, Dr. Pat Ifeanyi Oramah, President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Sapphire, said his leadership agenda was anchored on impact and continuity of Rotary’s legacy of compassion and global health service.

“When I accepted the honour to serve as the 8th President of this Club,” Dr. Oramah recalled, “I did so with a clear goal — to leave a legacy of impact. Rotary has been at the forefront of the global fight against polio, working with international partners to eradicate the disease by 99%. But the job is not yet done. Our mission is to ensure that polio is wiped off the face of the earth completely.”

Dr. Oramah, who had earlier announced plans to partner with international pharmaceutical organizations to expand diabetes awareness, free testing, and treatment initiatives, reaffirmed that Rotary remains committed to sustaining advocacy until the last case of polio is gone.

“We have here polio survivors, parents, medical practitioners, and caregivers — a complete community of people who understand the battle against polio. Together, we will keep working until no child suffers from this preventable disease again,” he said.

Experts Speak on Prevention and Post-Polio Care

Two distinguished speakers delivered compelling presentations that combined medical insight with community advocacy.

Pharm. Sylvia Oluchi Asogwa, a young pharmacist and public health advocate, spoke on pharmaceutical approaches to polio prevention and vaccine education. A graduate of Madonna University, she currently serves as a Medical Sales Representative at Sepat Pharmaceuticals, while pursuing a Master’s in Public Health at Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

She emphasized the importance of sustained vaccination campaigns, early diagnosis, and robust healthcare education at the community level, commending Rotary International for being “the backbone of the global polio eradication initiative.”

Also speaking, Dr. Elizabeth Fadahunsi, a pediatrician at National Hospital, Abuja, highlighted the long-term health needs of polio survivors, including rehabilitation, physiotherapy, and social inclusion.

“Post-polio syndrome is real,” Dr. Fadahunsi explained. “Even after surviving the initial infection, many patients live with lifelong complications that require ongoing care and emotional support. That’s why efforts like this by Rotary are invaluable — they bridge the gap between survival and dignity.”

The Bissala Family’s Touching Story

One of the most emotional moments came when Mr. and Mrs. Tanko and ThankGod Bissala, parents of an adopted polio survivor, shared their moving journey of compassion and faith.

Mr. Bissala narrated how they adopted Justine Hassan, an abandoned four-year-old boy living in deplorable conditions, after his biological parents had either died or deserted him.

“The mother abandoned him because of the polio challenge, and the father later died in an accident,” he said. “When my wife saw the boy, he was lying helpless, eating and sleeping in his own waste. God told her, ‘Go and adopt that boy.’ So we did. Since 2011, he has been part of our family.”

His wife, Mrs. ThankGod Bissala, recounted a miraculous moment that followed their act of kindness.

“When I brought the boy home, my daughter had been unable to walk for seven years. But the day after, I went to pick her up from school and people were shouting — she had walked home by herself! That was how God turned our pain into testimony,” she said tearfully.

Her story drew thunderous applause from the audience, many moved by the couple’s resilience and faith despite years of hardship.

A Continuing Global Fight

The event, supported by Rotary International and the Unite for Polio Campaign, underscored the ongoing global effort to ensure that polio becomes a disease of the past.

Dr. Oramah concluded the evening with a message of unity and persistence:
“Rotary has come too far to stop now. With collective effort, compassion, and science, we will ensure that no child, anywhere in the world, ever suffers from polio again.”

As the newly donated wheelchairs rolled out to grateful recipients, the atmosphere was one of renewed hope — a testament that even from paralysis, humanity can rise to prevention, progress, and purpose.

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