6 April 2005 -- They are both over 70 years of age, but for Adedehin Ebunolu Adefeso, past District Governor (PDG) of District 9110 (1995-1996), and Jonathan Majiyagbe, former President of Rotary International(2003-2004), polio eradication is such a strong unifying force for the club and they have devoted their lives to promoting its ideals.

Nigeria’s first Rotary Club was founded in 1961 in Kano. Globally, Rotary International, through PolioPlus has been one of the biggest driving forces to ensure polio is stopped for good. The appointment of Adefeso to take over the chairmanship of the National PolioPlus Committee (NPC) in 1998 was one of the decisive steps by Majiyagbe to renew the drive to eradicate polio in Nigeria. Since then, Adefeso’s performance and personal commitment to the goal has ensured an unusual yearly renewal of term. Majiyagbe – the first Nigerian, African and Blackman to rise to the No. 1 office in Rotary globally, has continued to further the cause of polio eradication globally. Here in Nigeria, Adefeso continues to strengthen the involvement of the club at national partnership and sub-national levels, maintaining a tight schedule of meetings and activities. Rotary members are also well represented during national immunization days for polio.

Rotarians, including the current District 9110 Governor, Chief Michael Olawale-Cole, Secretary, NPC, Somo Omoniyi and PGD Dr. Kola Owoka of the Kano chapter, acknowledge the unflagging commitment of the two men to polio eradication which Majiyagbe describes as “the flagship” of Rotary’s activities. Adefeso is described as “Mr. Polio,” by fellow members. He is also described as a “moving encyclopaedia on the polio programme, thorough, selfless, reliable, committed, a leader and team player who has given Rotary a voice among the partners in Nigeria. and a man who “eats, sleeps and dreams Rotary and polio.” Majiyagbe is seen also as a team player, one who believes in service before self. The loss of his wife a few days to taking office as Rotary president did not deter his enthusiasm for the cause. He is regarded as firm, willing to learn and make needed change, focused, down-to-earth and a man of peace.

But both men have similar regrets. Majiyagbe notes that the inability to eradicate polio during his international presidency was embarrassing and painful, while Adefeso felt disappointed. However, they are optimistic and have reaffirmed Rotary’s commitment to polio through to global certification.

Rotary is the leading private-sector contributor to polio eradication globally. Since 1985, when Rotary launched its PolioPlus program, individual members have collectively raised US$600 million and contributed countless volunteer hours to help immunize more than 2 billion children in 122 countries. The involvement of Rotary International in the global effort to eradicate polio started with the initial success in collaborating with the Philippine government and WHO in 1983. The club thereafter entered a commitment to achieve global eradication in 2005 to mark its centenary. Although that target has not been met, the end of the journey is closer than ever.

- By Nosa Owens-Ibie