Niger Delta

Stopping HIV Infection By 2030 Still Long Way Off – ASWHAN

Published

1 year ago

August 5, 2024

Amid growing pessimism over whether Nigeria can meet the Joint United Nations Programme On HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) target of eliminating new HIV inffections by 2030, the Association of Women Living With HIV/AIDS in Nigeria (ASWHAN) has said it would be difficult to attain the target in Nigeria, nay Rivers State.

The Coordinator of ASWHAN in Rivers State, Mrs. Fortune Kalio-Faladu, made this disclosure in an exclusive interview with The Tide, recently, during a meeting of key stakeholders involved in HIV prevention held in Port Harcourt, organised by the ASWHAN, in collaboration with the Coalition of Sex Workers Rights Movement (COSWRIM) in Nigeria.

She said, going by revelations from presentations and dicussions during the meeting, achieving the 2030 target would not be feasible, except more deliberate drastic actions are taken by stakeholders, particularly Government, at all levels.

“From our discussions today, we still have a long way to go. But I think if we, as stakeholders, and members of the State, particularly the government, can actually come to do what we have to do, in the right proportion and at the right time, we can still achieve the 2030 target”, she stated.

On the part of individuals, she said people would need to come out to ascertain their HIV status, and be on treatment, if they turn out positive, and those who are negative would have to abstain from habits that could make them positive.

“For those that are positive, they should be on drugs, because I know that once you take your drugs correctly and consistently over a period of time, you will be virally suppressed, and once you’re virally suppressed, you cannot transmit the virus”, she explained.

For stakeholders, she called for more all round commitment: to meetings, increase efforts to not only create awareness, but to also follow-up on drives to reach targeted vulnerable groups to HIV infection.

She also said beyond these, the Government has a greater part to play, if the 2030 tagget for zero HIV infection can be achieved.

A key way to do this, she said, is for the government to come up with a disciplinary group that would act as spy in order to enforce discrimination of HIV positive persons.

“The truth be told, when we talk about prevention, if I’ll be stigmatized and discriminated upon, I don’t think I will come out from my hiding. I’ll be in my house, possibly without taking the necessary drugs.

“But if the Government is there, and these positive persons are aware that they’re being protected, then they’re more likely to come out of their hiding, because they know they can get jobs for which they are qualified, and also attain societal status without discrimination”.

In her presentation at the meeting, titled, “HIV Prevention and Accountability: A Community Perspective, 2023”, the ASWHAN Coordinator delved into such areas as efforts made by Civil Societies Organisation’ (CSOs) in HIV prevention; and Progress against the 2025 roadmap for CSOs, which covered Evidence-driven assessment of HIV prevention programme needs and barriers, Precision Prevention Approach, country investment needs, HIV Prevention political leadership, community-led HIV prevention services, remove social and legal barriers, promote HIV prevention integration, new HIV prevention technologies, Real-time prevention programme monitoring, and Accountability for HIV Prevention.

Buttressing the stand of the ASWHAN Coordinator on the feasibility of the 2030 target and the way forward, the Communication Officer of the COSWRIM in Nigeria, Mr. Vena Daniel, re-echoed the need for more efforts by key stakeholders.

He said, “Based on our meeting today, I will say that we are still very far away from attaining that goal, because, looking at some of the laws and practices and fragmentations within the CSO movement, you’ll see that we’re still far away from it.

“For instance, it’s just today we’re realising that a unique group has been excluded from the HIV/AIDS implementation space, that is, people who are in confined space, such as correctional homes (prison), frequent travellers, such as drivers, Police, and other security personnels.

“Implementation has been going on over the years, but these groups have been neglected”.

He, therefore, suggested that given the present scenario, there’s the need to extend the target year to 2035, within which more deliberate efforts should be made in HIV preventive efforts, considering that it’s barely six years to 2030.

“If we can extent it to 2035, we can begin to consider it. But, for now, 2030 is not feasible. Looking at the level of work that still needs to be done, I don’t think by 2030 we can achieve zero HIV infection “, he emphasized.

Sogbeba Dokubo

Niger Delta

HYPREP Marks International Youth Day …Tasks Ogoni Youths On Continued Support

Published

2 days ago

August 15, 2025

The Tide

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) on Tuesday joined the global community to mark the 2025 International Youth Day, with a call to Ogoni youths, both at home and in the diaspora to continue to support it to achieve its set goals and targets.

The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who made the call in a statement signed by the Head of Communications, Dr Enuolare Mba-Nwigoh, said the youths should believe that working together with the Project, leveraging locally youth action, and fostering inclusivity, the goals of the Project would be achieved.

Zabbey assured them that HYPREP would continue to invest in training and skills development, create opportunities for them to become skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and advocates for sustainable development.

He noted that HYPREP recognises the salient and highly supportive disposition of Ogoni youths as key stakeholders towards the successful implementation of the cleanup project, adding that the role of Ogoni youths in implementing UNEP’s recommendations on Ogoniland cannot be over-stated.

He said the Ogoni youths have stood at the front lines, clearing impacted sites, engaging in construction works, championing community awareness, and driving narratives of hope and renewal through traditional and online media.

According to him, the contributions of the youths serve as a potent reminder that the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) are most effectively achieved when local youth are empowered to take ownership of the process.

The Project Coordinator further indicated that the theme of this year’s International Youth Day, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” resonates strongly with HYPREP as a youth-driven, community-based Project, committed to environmental remediation, livelihood restoration and sustainable peace building in Ogoniland.

He said as a project rooted in local communities, HYPREP recognises that the success of its interventions depends on the active participation and leadership of young people, saying, “from the physical restoration of polluted sites to the promotion of sustainable livelihoods, from grassroots mobilisation to digital advocacy, local youth have played a significant role in translating HYPREP’s goals into action.”

“The energy, creativity, and resilience of the Ogoni youths are helping to advance the Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) far beyond ecosystem recovery towards inclusive growth and national unity,” he said.

Zabbey noted that the Project is strategically tailored to benefit a critical mass of Ogoni youths across its multiple projects and programmes be it the land and shoreline remediation sites; mangrove restoration; Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration; potable water projects; the Ogoni Power Project; Ogoni Specialist Hospital; Buan Cottage Hospital; and livelihood schemes or human capacity development.

On the celebration of the International Youth Day, he saluted on behalf of HYPREP, the courage, dedication, and vision of Ogoni youths, saying, “Your work in the field, your voices in community engagements, and your leadership in peace building are helping to restore the Ogoni environment while building stronger communities and a more united nation.”

According to him, HYPREP has been intentional in ensuring inclusivity and promoting greater participation among youths, as the establishment of the Office of the Special Assistant on Women and Youth Development, underscores the significance and priority given to the Ogoni youths.

Niger Delta

Okpebholo To Open Up Edo Riverine Communities For Development

Published

2 days ago

August 15, 2025

The Tide

Deputy Governor, Edo State, Dennis Idahosa, has said that the Monday Okpebholo-led administration would open up riverine communities in the state for sustainable development.

Idahosa stated this during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign for Aug.16 Ovia federal constituency by-election, in Inikorogha, Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state.

The deputy governor told the gathering that the new administration was keen to see development across the nooks and crannies of the state.

According to him, all that is needed from the people is support and patience with the nine months old Okpebholo-led government that hit the ground running immediately after inauguration.

Idahosa who described the Inikorogha community as peace loving, said it has always supported him politically and otherwise.

Adorned in the traditional regalia of the community, Idahosa said, “I have always seen myself as one of your own even before decorating me with this traditional attire.

“All I need from you is massive votes in support for the APC candidate and our governor on Saturday,” he appealed.

He assured the community that the APC candidate would join the good work of the party as the representative of the constituency.

“Our candidate, Omosede Igbinedion, is not a neophyte in the business of lawmaking. The party chose her because we are sure of her capacity to deliver”.

While addressing the people, the APC candidate promised to synergise with the deputy governor and the state government to bring laudable projects to Ovia federal constituency.

A chieftain of the party in the community, Okubo Robert, promised to mobilize support for APC to ensure he emerges victorious at the poll.

While noting the community’s continued support to the APC in previous elections, Robert expressed optimism that Saturday’s by-election would not be different but yield the desired results.

Niger Delta

Embrace Digital Tech For National Growth, NDDC Urges Youths

Published

2 days ago

August 15, 2025

The Tide

The Managing Director, Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Dr Samuel Ogbuku, has urged youths to embrace digital technology.

Ogbuku made the appeal in a Statement issued in Port Harcourt, Wednesday, by the commission’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Mrs Seledi Thompson-Wakama.

According to the statement, Ogbuku addressed youths during the celebration of International Youth Day, organised by the NDDC for young people.

The Tide source reports that Ogbuku spoke against the backdrop of the International Youth Day.

He said that technology, when used productively, could serve as a catalyst for capacity building and sustainable development.

Ogbuku said that the NDDC chose to celebrate young people in order to encourage them to take advantage of current trends to equip and develop themselves.

“We are in the age of technology, and Artificial Intelligence is becoming increasingly prevalent, therefore, we are using this platform to encourage young people.

“They should take advantage of current trend to advance their cause as partners in development, enabling them to benefit from innovative ideas and latest technology, he said.

“Niger Delta youths should not allow themselves to be left behind in technological advancement.’’

Ogbuku reiterated the NDDC’s commitment to enhancing the capacities of youths in the region.

He noted that the commission had collaborated with the nine states government in the region to implement youth empowerment programmes for youths in the area.

“We have always liaised with the states governments in the Niger Delta in implementing youth empowerment programmes.

“The NDDC has also requested the states governments to nominate young people, as well as provide us with the categories of individuals in their areas of interest.

“Particularly those living with disabilities,” he said.

He advised youths to be hardworking and proactive in their chosen careers.

The Director in charge of Women and Culture Unit in the NDDC Youth Directorate, Mrs Ahunna Imoni, said the International Youth Day was recognised globally to celebrate youth creativity and potential.

She said “The NDDC’s decision to mark this day with young people is a further demonstration of the current Board’s renewed commitment to youth advancement”.

Imoni urged participants to acquire skills that would equip them to meet present-day realities.

The Tide source reports that the day is celebrated annually on Aug. 12.

By: Theresa Frederick & Charity Amiso