As part of programmes to commemorate the
annual World Polio day on October 24 and create awareness on the deadly
polio scourge responsible for scores of child mortality cases annually
in Nigeria.
Rotary international in Nigeria has concluded plans to host the
nation's first ever Bike-A-Thon ride on Saturday October 19, 2013.
The one-day programme is a fun cycling ride designed to generate
interest, increase awareness and raise funds for activities towards
total eradication of polio disease which is endemic in Nigeria.(
especially in the North.) Nigeria currently remains one of the three (most) polio-endemic countries globally, alongside Afghanistan and Pakistan.
According to Dr Tunji Funsho, Chairman, Nigeria National Polio Plus
Committee, "Rotary has committed itself to join forces with other
partners to champion the efforts to eradicate ( war against)polio in
Nigeria.
It is therefore partnering with Cycology, a foremost cycling
club in Lagos for this year's campaign and aims to draw attention of
policy makers and everyone to this important issue. It will also strive
to raise funds to contribute to the $500million required for the total
eradication of polio in Nigeria alone.
Prominent personalities and other Nigerians from all walks of life
including Rotary Polio Ambassador, popular Nollywood actress Funke
Akndele will join global figures in the likes of Bill Gates, Desmond
Tutu, Isabella Fontana, Donnie Yen, Jackie Chan and many others in
creating awareness for Polio in a fun and practical way.
Dr Funsho announced that, "The programme is billed to kick off 7a.m
around the Lekki axis in Lagos and will feature registered participants
including Rotary club members, Cycology riding club members and others
in a 5km, 10km and 50km exhibition ride aimed at tackling polio disease.
It will also feature a variety of activities including cycling stunts,
colourful displays and other physical demonstrations."
He noted that the Bike-A-Thon route will begin at the registration
point at Divine Mercy Catholic Church, Lekki Phase One and follow a
designated route for the exhibition ride while registration of
participants will start by 6am at the same venue. After registering, the
riders will choose from a variety of different distances ranging from a
5-km trip to a 50-km loop. The ride is to be completed between 7am and
10am. The event will be followed by a closing ceremony which will
feature other activities like guest lecture on Polio and certificate
presentations to participants.
He added: Registration is required and can be done online
http://www.rotary9110.org/ i or at kick off point. The entry fee is
N5000. Numerous multinationals and admirable brands have pledged to
support the first ever Bike-A-Thon event in Nigeria.
Rotary Nigeria is part of the Rotary International, a worldwide
network of over 1.2million inspired people committed to translating
their passions into relevant social causes to change lives in
communities
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