Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan, the Executive Director of the Beautiful Gate Handicap Peoples Center, has been honored with the 2023 National Polio Field Workers Award by Rotary International. This prestigious recognition highlights his exceptional philanthropic contributions, with a primary focus on providing support to individuals with special needs in Nigeria, particularly those who are Polio Survivors.

The Special Recognition Award was bestowed upon Chief Burki during the 2023 National Polio Field Workers Award ceremony, held on Thursday, April 27th, 2023. The event took place at the conference hall of the Tahir Guest Palace Hotel in Kano, Kano State. This event was organized to acknowledge the efforts of individuals who have been actively leading the charge in the fight against polio through vaccination campaigns.

In presenting the Special Recognition Award, the organizers highlighted Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan’s remarkable journey as a polio survivor. At the age of 19, his uncle’s act of building a hand-pedaled tricycle restored his hope and led him on a path to becoming a qualified lawyer. Currently, as the Executive Director of the Beautiful Gate Handicap Peoples Center, Chief Burki is deeply committed to the eradication of polio and to providing support to fellow polio survivors in Nigeria. He accomplishes this mission by employing them to construct wheelchairs. Through his foundation, more than 14,000 tricycles have been distributed across the country, making a significant impact. Chief Burki has devoted his life to sharing his story and collaborating with various groups, families, and organizations to emphasize the importance of ending polio.

The Chairman of the occasion, HRH Alhaji Samaila Muhammed Mera, CON, the Emir of Argungu, extended his congratulations to all the awardees for their dedicated contributions to polio eradication. He was represented at the event by Alhaji Aminu Inuwa.

In the spirit of his philanthropy, Chief Ayuba Burki Gufwan donated 100 wheelchairs to individuals living with special needs during the event. This gesture followed shortly after he received his award. During the presentation of the wheelchairs, Chief Burki urged prominent organizations such as Rotary Club International, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, UNICEF, and other donors to prioritize the rehabilitation of Polio Survivors. He emphasized that although these survivors may have lost the use of some limbs due to polio, their life opportunities remain intact. By restoring their partial mobility, hope is reignited for them to pursue their life aspirations. He stressed the crucial importance of providing comprehensive attention to ensure the rehabilitation of surviving polio victims throughout the nation.

The event also featured goodwill messages from notable partners of Rotary International, including the Nigerian Red Cross, UNICEF, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and more