Rotary Club donates N1.5m wheelchair to polio survivor

The Rotary Club of Abuja, Maitama, on Wednesday handed over a £1.5 million electric wheelchair to a polio survivor, Mr Festus Aziken, as part of its humanitarian efforts in the area.

Aziken, a staff member of the general hospital in Maitama, who also works with the board of directors of the hospital in Garki, suffered from polio at the age of nine and has been crawling for 32 years.

In his speech at the presentation event, the president of the club, Yusuf Ali, said that the club adds value to society through the provision of the item.

Ali said: “One of our big dreams is to boost those who are challenged as part of our stated commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

“Today we have rounded up your treasures to buy an N1. 5-meter electric chair for Festus Emmanuel Aziken, a polio survivor who has been crawling for 32 years.

“He never allowed adversity to destroy his dreams. RC Abuja Maitama adds sustainable value to his life.

“Speaking to me last night, he said the electric chair “will help my movement in and out of the environment to take care of myself. Yes, my arms are getting weaker as I get older.’ His fate reminds us all of our charitable obligation, for we are all pencils in the hands of God.”

As Aziken shared stories of his trials over the past 32 years, he thanked the club for the gift and added that it will help him get around and complete his duties.