Rotary’s commitment to transforming lives through humanitarian service took centre stage in Lagos as beneficiaries received artificial upper limbs donated by Past District Governor Shab Elawar and his wife during the ongoing West Africa Project Fair 2026.
The presentation, fitting and demonstration of the prosthetic limbs formed part of the humanitarian activities lined up for the West Africa Project Fair (WAPF) 2026, which commenced on November 10 and will run until November 17, 2026.
The initiative, facilitated through Rotary International Districts 9111 and 9112, brought renewed hope to individuals living with upper-limb amputations, demonstrating Rotary’s commitment to restoring dignity, promoting inclusion and improving the quality of life of vulnerable members of society.
At the presentation, beneficiaries were introduced to their artificial limbs, with fitting and practical demonstrations conducted to familiarise them with the prosthetic devices and their potential to support everyday activities.
One of the memorable moments captured during the exercise showed a young beneficiary wearing an artificial upper-limb prosthesis while receiving guidance and support during the demonstration.
The intervention was made possible through the generosity of Past District Governor Shab Elawar and his wife, whose donation underscored the importance of personal philanthropy and international collaboration in advancing Rotary’s humanitarian objectives.
Their contribution also reflected the spirit of the fair’s theme, “Partnerships for Lasting Impact,” demonstrating how compassion, collaboration and purposeful giving can translate into practical solutions for people facing physical challenges.
The presentation followed an earlier mobilisation exercise by the Host Organising Committee, which called on Rotary clubs in Districts 9111 and 9112 to identify and nominate eligible individuals requiring artificial upper-limb prostheses.
The initiative specifically targeted individuals with upper-limb amputations, particularly those whose amputations occurred between the elbow and hand, with emphasis on suitability for the available prosthetic devices.
Beyond the immediate benefits of receiving an artificial limb, the project represents an important intervention in disability inclusion and rehabilitation.
For beneficiaries, access to suitable prosthetic devices can support greater independence, enhance participation in daily activities and create opportunities for improved social and economic engagement.
The humanitarian gesture also highlights the wider objectives of the West Africa Project Fair, which serves as a platform for Rotary clubs, development partners, philanthropists and humanitarian organisations to showcase community projects, establish partnerships and mobilise support for sustainable interventions.
The Lagos edition, taking place from November 10 to 17, features several activities designed to strengthen collaboration among participating Rotary districts and international partners, with the exhibition scheduled for November 13 and 14.
The artificial limbs presentation stands among the fair’s people-centred interventions, illustrating how Rotary’s network of volunteers and partners can translate the organisation’s philosophy of Service Above Self into tangible humanitarian action.
Ojelabi, the publisher of Freelanews, is an award winning and professionally trained mass communicator and a recipient of the D9112 Superstar Icon Award, who writes ruthlessly about pop culture, religion, politics and entertainment.
