$5 Million Gift Moves Rotary Foundation Closer To Polio Eradication

By Victor P.K. Mensah and Ibim Semenitari

The Rotary Foundation (TRF) announced a $5 million donation from Sir Emeka Offor, a prominent Nigerian businessman and dedicated #EndPolioNow Ambassador.

This generous contribution was made during a gala dinner held to celebrate a visit to Nigeria by TRF Trustees’ Chairman Mark “Tunde” Maloney and his wife Gay Maloney.

Sir Emeka Offor has consistently demonstrated unwavering support for the global polio eradication effort led by Rotary. This latest gift brings his total contributions to TRF to over $8 million, underscoring his commitment to ending polio worldwide.

“We are incredibly grateful to Sir Emeka Offor for his extraordinary generosity and unwavering support of the Rotary Foundation,” said Mark Maloney, Chairman of the TRF Board of Trustees. “His philanthropic leadership inspires us all in the fight to eradicate polio and create a healthier future for children everywhere.”

Sir Emeka received glowing praises from Trustee Ijeoma Pearl Okoro, Past Rotary International Vice President Yinka Babalola, District Governors and other Zone, Regional and District Officials across the continent since this announcement.

Before this announcement, the Trustee Chair held various discussions with senior Rotary leaders in Nigeria, visited a number of Rotary Club projects funded by The Foundation and other partners; paid a curtesy call on the Vice President of the Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency the Honourable Kashim Shettima.

Governors of the six Districts in Nigeria: 9111, 9112, 9126, 9127, 9141 and 9142 came out in their full compliment, with an array of Past Distrct Governors from the various Districts, accompanied by the Rotaract Representative for District 9127, the Central Organizing Committee Chairman and members.

Chairman Maloney held a town hall meeting with Rotarians and Rotaractors to update them on what the foundation was doing in Nigeria and reaffirm Rotary’s commitment to ending polio. The Trustee chair explained that so far Rotary International has committed more than $300 million to interventions in polio and other initiatives in Nigeria. He promised that Nigeria will benefit from an additional ₦50 million dollars.

The Rotary Foundation Trustee Chairman’s Africa Tour
Maloney was on a tour of Nigeria and Ghana from January 15-22, 2025, accompanied by his spouse, Gay. The visit underscores Rotary’s enduring commitment to humanitarian service, impactful partnerships and community development in Africa.

While in Ghana, he visited the Cleft Lip and Palate project at Ridge Hospital, Accra, where restorative surgeries for patients is supported by a global grant from the Rotary Foundation.

He also had a meeting with the United States Ambassador and Polio Plus partners, held a town hall meeting with Rotarians and community leaders, attended endowment events hosted by Past Rotary International Director Sam Okudzeto and the District Governor. Other engagement included a meeting with senior government officials to strengthen partnerships and explore collaborative initiatives.

The Rotary Foundation Trustee Ijeoma Pearl Okoro expressed optimism about the visit, stating, “this visit is creating positive vibes across communities in Nigeria and Ghana, showcasing how The Rotary Foundation is transforming lives. I am confident that Rotarians and friends of Rotary will find renewed passion and fulfilment in serving others.”