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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
2023 National Field Coordinator Award
On the 23rd of April, the Nigeria National Polioplus Committee (NNPPC) under the auspices of Rotary International paid tribute to the Late Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, through a posthumous award. This recognition was bestowed in acknowledgment of his significant contributions to the successful eradication of polio in Nigeria.
Likewise, the committee extended its honors to various traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community figures who had played pivotal roles in the fight against polio within their respective states. These esteemed individuals were commended during the 2023 National Polio Field Workers’ Award Ceremony held at the Tahir Guest Palace in Kano.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Jennifer Jones, the President of Rotary International, highlighted the purpose behind instituting the National Polio Field Workers’ Award. The intention was to celebrate and reward the efforts of field workers who had stood out in their commitment to eradicating polio in Nigeria. Represented by Ejeoma Pearl Okoro, Past District Governor Endowment & Major Gifts Adviser for Africa, Ms. Jones emphasized that the program aimed to acknowledge those who surpassed expectations, demonstrated innovative thinking, and displayed a creative approach that enhanced the impact of their initiatives.
Ms. Jones applauded the organizers of the program and called upon partners to sustain their support for the initiative, which would greatly uplift the morale of those on the frontlines of the battle against polio.
Joshua Hassan, the Chairman of NNPPC, addressed the gathering, acknowledging that while it was impossible to fully reward individuals who had made substantial contributions to the success of polio eradication in Nigeria, the event aimed to inspire and motivate everyone willing to go the extra mile in achieving the set objectives. He highlighted the current goal, set by the Global Partnership for Polio Eradication, to halt all polio transmission by the year 2026. He stressed the need for increased support in the field to achieve this milestone.
Among the notable traditional rulers honored at the event were Alhaji Sambo Idris Sambo, the District Head of Funtua and Sarkin Maska; Alhaji Zanna Lawan Maina, the District Head of Damboa in Borno State; and Ephron Sokka Abubakar, the District Head of Kaltungo in Gombe State. The recognition also extended to local leaders such as Ward and Village Heads, emphasizing the collective effort required to accomplish the mission.
The event concluded with an atmosphere of appreciation for those who had contributed tirelessly to the cause of polio eradication and a renewed commitment to pushing forward until polio is entirely eliminated from Nigeria.
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