TheCable

Emeka Offor, a philanthropist and Rotary International ambassador, says the eradication of polio means so much to Nigeria.

Offor said this on Wednesday while speaking at the unveiling of a polio billboard by his foundation along airport road in Abuja.

Nigeria has not recorded any polio case in recent times.

The philanthropist said he is certain that the World Health Organisation (WHO) will certify Nigeria polio free by March 2020.

“I feel better now and more encouraged and determined. We are going to continue the advocacy until polio is eradicated from the surface of the earth. If that is not done, we have not finished yet,” he said.

“With what I am seeing now, I think we are there already. Since the last three years, no news of outbreak has been heard. Everybody is working hard and all parties are together. The advocacy team is continuing and we are happy.

“Though, we are close to being certified polio free that is why we are here. We will continue, everybody must continue to create awareness until we get to where want to be. It should not be left to Rotarians alone till the last day, March 2020.

“It is a very big milestone if we achieve that, it means no child will die of polio again. Achieving polio eradication will mean so much to me and to Nigeria.”

On his part, Victor Onukwugh, rotary district governor, said the decision by the Rotary International to erect a billboard on Abuja Airport road is to inform citizens of the need to completely drive polio out of existence.