UNAIDS Warns Senegal’s New Anti-LGBTQ Law Threatens HIV Response

By: Michael Mike

UNAIDS has raised serious concern over Senegal’s new law imposing harsher penalties for same-sex relations and promoting LGBTQ rights, warning it could reverse years of public health progress.

The bill, passed by Parliament on 12 March, criminalizes “unnatural acts” and penalizes anyone who encourages or promotes homosexuality. While the law includes a public health exemption for authorized health organizations, UNAIDS cautioned that fear of prosecution could drive vulnerable populations away from vital HIV prevention, testing, and treatment services.

Senegal has long been a regional leader in HIV response. Today, 79% of people living with HIV receive antiretroviral therapy, a milestone that has saved thousands of lives. Yet new infections rose by 36% between 2010 and 2024, making Senegal one of only four countries in West and Central Africa with increasing cases. UNAIDS warned that criminalizing LGBTQ people risks worsening this trend by increasing stigma and creating barriers to care.

The agency urged President Macky Sall and authorities to fully implement the public health exemptions, provide legal clarity for health workers, protect patient confidentiality, and ensure community organizations can continue offering lifesaving services without fear of prosecution. UNAIDS also called for the maintenance of international funding and partnerships to sustain essential programs.

“Criminalization threatens both human rights and public health,” UNAIDS said, stressing that ending AIDS requires reaching everyone, especially those most at risk. The agency reaffirmed its commitment to working with Senegal to protect access to HIV services and prevent setbacks in the fight against AIDS.

UNAIDS Warns Senegal’s New Anti-LGBTQ Law Threatens HIV Response

NSIA, UK’s Asset Green to Launch $496 Million Dairy Mega-Project in Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding with UK-based Asset Green Ltd to develop a US$496 million integrated dairy livestock production and processing platform, a project set to modernize Nigeria’s dairy sector, boost food security, and create thousands of jobs.

The MoU, signed in London ahead of the State Visit, laid out the framework for collaboration and project development, paving the way for a formal shareholders’ agreement.

The initiative, one of the largest integrated dairy investments ever undertaken in Nigeria, will combine 20,000 hectares of climate-smart, regenerative crop and forage production with a 10,000-milking-cow dairy operation and a state-of-the-art processing plant capable of producing fresh milk, milk powders, butter, cream, and up to 15,000 metric tonnes of infant formula annually.

Designed to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported milk powder, the platform will integrate up to 10,000 rural households into the supply chain through inclusive out-grower schemes and is projected to generate over US$620 million annually, while creating approximately 2,500 direct and 5,000 indirect jobs nationwide.

British Deputy High Commissioner Jonny Baxter praised the partnership, noting, “Over a decade ago, the UK provided pivotal support to Nigeria in establishing the NSIA, offering legal and financial expertise that helped lay the foundation for its successful launch and strengthening its governance and credibility. That early institutional investment has paid dividends, helping to build a resilient Nigerian institution capable of creating jobs and driving transformational, long-term development.

“The NSIA and Asset Green partnership is a powerful example of how that groundwork continues to deliver impact—a full-circle moment that reflects the long-term economic cooperation between the UK and Nigeria and the shared commitment to deepening sustainable, private-sector-driven growth.”

NSIA Managing Director & CEO Aminu Umar-Sadiq described the project as transformative, saying, “NSIA is pleased to partner with Asset Green on this transformative investment. With a project size of almost US$500 million, this is one of the most ambitious initiatives aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s food and nutrition security in a generation. By combining climate-smart farming, advanced processing capacity, and inclusive out-grower participation, we are laying the foundation for a modern, competitive dairy sector that reduces import dependence, creates meaningful jobs, and delivers long-term value for Nigerians.”

Asset Green Ltd Director and Agrium Capital Ltd CEO Rod Bassett emphasized the strategic importance of the investment, noting, “This partnership between NSIA and Asset Green is the business and investment innovation required to unlock the potential of the agriculture sector in Nigeria, with the development of such a future (dairy) food system. The foundation of the approach is one of collaborating with NSIA and their shared vision and purpose to establish a platform to catalyse the development of such a national strategic priority. We are incredibly proud to partner with Nigeria’s premier investment institution. The development of greenfield projects have consistently played a major role in our history, establishing industries or nurturing young businesses that are able to deliver catalytic transformation. This US$500 million greenfield investment in Nigeria’s dairy industry allows for the development of advanced and necessary infrastructure spanning the full production and supply system to enhance local production, reduce the reliance on the huge imports of dairy goods into Nigeria, deliver environmental services, and strengthen national food sovereignty and nutritional resilience.”

The partnership signals a major milestone in Nigeria’s agricultural modernization, leveraging private-sector investment, inclusive farming practices, and advanced processing to create a resilient, competitive dairy industry while strengthening national food and nutrition security.

NSIA, UK’s Asset Green to Launch $496 Million Dairy Mega-Project in Nigeria

IPCR Trains 19 Professionals, Pushes Practical Peacebuilding Across Nigeria

By: Michael Mike

The Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) has urged newly trained professionals to translate their knowledge of negotiation and mediation into concrete actions that will promote peace and stability across Nigeria.

The call was made at the close of a three-week Strategic Course on Negotiation and Mediation (Chartered), held at the National Peace Academy in Abuja, where 19 participants were formally inducted as Members of the Peace Institute (MPI).

Speaking on behalf of the Director-General of IPCR, Joseph Ochogwu, the Director of Finance and Accounts, Sunday Daji, emphasized that peacebuilding is not accidental but the result of conscious daily efforts and effective communication.

He noted that many conflicts begin from simple misunderstandings that escalate due to poor communication, stressing that the skills acquired during the training must be applied in real-life situations.

“Peace is built through our everyday interactions and decisions. Negotiation is not a sign of weakness but a reflection of wisdom, courage, and leadership,” he said.

He also pointed to the participation of officers from the Nigerian Immigration Service as evidence of a growing shift within Nigeria’s security architecture toward preventive and dialogue-driven approaches to conflict resolution.

According to him, achieving lasting peace requires more than enforcement, adding that public institutions must embrace mediation and dialogue as critical tools in managing disputes.

Participants at the training described the programme as impactful and transformative. Speaking on behalf of the cohort, SA Ibrahim said the journey, though initially demanding, proved deeply rewarding.

“What lies ahead is something money cannot buy. We are leaving here not just as participants, but as peace ambassadors committed to making a difference,” she said.

Earlier, the Director of the National Peace Academy, Emmanuel Mmam, commended the participants for their discipline and engagement, describing them as one of the most outstanding groups trained by the institute.

He cautioned against prioritizing certificates over impact, urging them to put their knowledge into practice in their workplaces and communities.

“Knowledge that is not applied is as good as not having it,” he said, while encouraging continued collaboration with the institute to strengthen national peace efforts.

The training programme focused on core areas such as conflict management, workplace reconciliation, and advanced negotiation and mediation strategies, equipping participants with the tools needed to support Nigeria’s evolving peacebuilding framework.

IPCR Trains 19 Professionals, Pushes Practical Peacebuilding Across Nigeria