President of Rotary International, Gordon Mclnally, will embark on a three-day working visit to Nigeria starting Friday, 15th March 2024.
The visit aims to strengthen the ties between Rotary International and the Nigerian Government, focusing on disease eradication and prevention.
During his visit, Mclnally is expected to present a fresh donation of $7 million to the Nigerian Government, allocated explicitly for disease eradication efforts.
The grant comes in addition to the $14 million given to Nigeria by Rotary International two months ago, channelled through the World Health Organization (WHO) to provide technical assistance on polio surveillance.
Rotary International has been a critical player in the global effort to eradicate polio, and Nigeria has benefited from its support.
President Mclnally may also seek an audience with President Bola Tinubu to explore collaborative efforts in addressing public health challenges.
Rotary International is a prominent non-governmental humanitarian organization with over 1.5 million members worldwide.
The organization holds diplomatic status and has been serving as an observer at the United Nations since 1948.
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) for the visit, headed by Prof Emmanuel Dolapo Lufadeju and Dr Goddy Nnadi, emphasized the significance of Rotary International’s ongoing support for Nigeria.
”The $7 million grant is earmarked for donation to the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) for additional disease eradication and prevention initiatives in the country.
”Rotarians, the active members of Rotary International, are actively involved in implementing Rotary projects in Nigeria, collaborating closely with governmental health agencies, international partners, and other stakeholders.
”Nigeria holds a special status in Rotary International, being recognized as a priority country in Africa and the world.
”The visit of President Gordon Mclnally is expected to strengthen the collaborative efforts to improve public health and well-being in Nigeria,” the LOC said in a terse statement.