ABUJA, NIGERIA--(Marketwired - Sep 3, 2015) - Having reached a major health milestone in the effort to END POLIO NOW, Sir Emeka Offor today commended President Muhammadu Buhari for making public his determination to see that Nigeria is certified polio-free by 2017. Sir Emeka is the Rotary International Polio Ambassador and the founder of Sir Emeka Offor Foundation, a non-governmental, philanthropic organization focused on healthcare, youth employment, families, education and infrastructure development.

"The fight to eradicate polio from Nigeria is not possible without the critical leadership of the Federal Government," said Sir Emeka. "We have come this far because of our collective efforts. We will go further and build on the successes of the past and I believe that together, we will cross the finish line."

During his meeting with Governors of polio vulnerable states, President Buhari said that he would not 'tolerate any gap' that might prevent Nigeria being certified polio-free by the World Health Organization (WHO) by the year 2017.

"I want to reaffirm the commitment of the Federal Government to sustain the gains and momentum to enable Nigeria to achieve certification by 2017," President Buhari was quoted as saying. "I am therefore inviting you to join me in actualizing this pledge as experts have cautioned that the progress we have made in the polio eradication efforts is still very fragile and that there is the risk of gains reversal if we don't sustain this great effort and allow complacency to set in."

Speaking from his Foundation Headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, Sir Emeka said he was pleased with the sheer determination and affirmation by the President. He also spoke highly of the Rotary Foundation, WHO, UNICEF, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and other key stakeholders who have contributed immensely to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Sir Emeka further recognized the selfless efforts of community health workers who traverse security challenged zones to immunize children against the disease. He acknowledged that these grassroots frontline agents often are not appreciated for their contributions in the global theater of the fight against polio and that it should change.

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