Continuous Discrimination of HIV/AIDS Undermines Intervention, NACA, UNAIDS Insist

By: Michael Mike

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) and Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS) have called for an immediate stop in stigmatization of HIV/AIDS, lamenting that this has continue to undermine interventions across the HIV prevention, treatment and care continuum and constitute key human rights barriers to ending the scourge.

The group which addressed a joint press conference on Tuesday in Abuja noted that Today marks a significant milestone ni Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030 and to promote the dignity and rights of al individuals living with, affected by or at risk of HIV and AIDS.”

They lamented that an estimated 1.9 million persons are living with HIV and AIDS, decrying that: “HIV-related stigma and discrimination, in all their forms, continue to undermine interventions across the HIV prevention, treatment and care continuum and constitute key human rights barriers to ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat by 2030. People living with HIV and communities most at risk still face stigma and discrimination at all levels – in their homes, communities, workplaces, within
health services, educational establishments and at policy level – impeding access to their basic human rights.”

They said as Nigeria joins the Global Partnership for Action to Eliminate All Forms of HIV-Related Stigma and Discrimination all hands must be on deck, noting that: “Evidence from the Nigeria People Living with HIV Stigma Index Survey 2.0 Report revealed that 2% of respondents have experienced stigma and discrimination. 10.9% of the respondents reported experiencing human rights abuse. Among those whose rights were abused, only 1 in 4 persons sought redress. 40.8% of those who did not seek redress reported the reason for not acting was because they were unaware of where and how to seek redress. 5% of those who did not seek redress were of the opinion that justice si a distant goal, while an additional 12% reported that they feared seeking redress might result ni HIV status disclosure.

“Help translate political and human rights commitments made at global, regional and national levels toward the elimination of HIV-related stigma and discrimination into action at country level. Establish, strengthen and revitalize partnerships among stakeholders to implement and scale-up programmes toward ending all forms of HIV-related stigma and discrimination.

“Continuously generate and disseminate evidence-based data to inform policy and programming, to measure progress, and to support accountability toward the elimination of HIV-related stigma and discrimination.”

Speakers at the event in commemoration of the zero discrimination day and rhe official launch of Nigeria’s membership,m emphasised the need to address deep-seated prejudices that fuel discrimination.

They agreed what kills people is not the virus, but the way society looks at them, highlighting cases where children have been expelled from school and workers denied employment due to their HIV status.

The partnership focuses on five key areas: healthcare, education, workplaces, justice systems, and community settings.

With Nigeria now on board, stakeholders are expected to push for stronger implementation of the HIV/AIDS anti-discrimination law, which makes it illegal to deny employment or services based on HIV status.

The stakeholders admitted that the journey ahead will however not be easy because though laws exist, enforcement remains weak, and cultural biases persist hence advocates are stressing that real change will require widespread public education, legal reforms, and increased political will.

Continuous Discrimination of HIV/AIDS Undermines Intervention, NACA, UNAIDS Insist

Don’t be Muslim than Arabs, ActionAid Nigeria Warns Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi Governments Against Closure of Closed Schools During Ramadan

By: Michael Mike

ActionAid Nigeria (AAN) has asked the governments of the four northern states of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi that have declared schools closed for up to five weeks during the holy month of Ramadan, to desist from being holier (Muslim) that originator of Islam, the Arabs.

A statement signed by the Country Director, ActionAid Nigeria, Andrew Mamedu said the abrupt closure of schools not only hampers the educational advancement of students but also adversely affects teachers and staff who rely on their salaries for sustenance.

Mamedu while expressing deep concern over the recent directives by the governments of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states to close all educational institutions for up to five weeks during the holy month of Ramadan, noting that this decision affects millions of students and educators, disrupting academic progress and livelihoods, said: “In a region already grappling with high rates of out-of-school children averaging 44%, significantly above the national average, such prolonged closures exacerbate existing educational challenges.

“Additionally, Nigerian schools are currently in the second term, and all schools across the states follow a unified curriculum. If schools in these four states remain non-functional for five whole weeks in March out of the 12-week academic calendar for the second term, it will disrupt their schedule, making it impossible for them to catch up with their peers.

“It is noteworthy that many predominantly Muslim countries like United Emirates, Qatar, Saudi Arabia etc. maintain educational activities during Ramadan, adjusting schedules to accommodate fasting without halting academic pursuits. In Saudi Arabia, schools remain open during Ramadan, with adjustments to school hours to accommodate fasting students and staff.

“In 2022, the Saudi Ministry of Education implemented flexible timing, allowing schools to start between 9 and 10 in the morning, with class durations reduced to 35 minutes. This approach ensures the continuation of education while respecting the holy month’s practices.”

He insisted that “Nigeria’s Constitution upholds the right to education and freedom of religion, ensuring that no religious practice impedes the rights of others. While Ramadan is a sacred period for Muslims, it is essential to balance religious observance with the fundamental right to education. The practices of predominantly Muslim countries, which adjust school schedules rather than enforce prolonged closures, serve as exemplary models for harmonizing religious observance with educational

He called on the governors of Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, and Kebbi states to: Reopen Schools Immediately resuming academic activities without delay to prevent further disruption to students’ education and teachers’ livelihoods; Engage in Inclusive Dialogue with religious leaders, educators, parents, and civil society organizations to develop strategies that respect religious practices while safeguarding educational rights; Implement Adaptive Measures like adjusting school hours during Ramadan rather than full closures, ensuring that religious observance and education coexist harmoniously.

He stated that: “Education is a fundamental right and a cornerstone for national development. ActionAid Nigeria stands ready to support initiatives that promote inclusive and equitable education for all, irrespective of religious affiliations. We call on all stakeholders to prioritize the educational needs of our children and work collaboratively towards solutions that uphold both religious values and the right to continuous learning.”

Don’t be Muslim than Arabs, ActionAid Nigeria Warns Bauchi, Katsina, Kano, Kebbi Governments Against Closure of Closed Schools During Ramadan

Igbo Community in Abuja Ask for Building of Seaport in Soitheast

By: Michael Mike

The Igbo Community Association (ICA), the apex socio-cultural body representing the Igbo people in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has applauded the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu for his relentless and strategic efforts in advancing the establishment of the South East Development Commission (SEDC).

The group, while acknowledging this historic legislative victory, urged the Deputy Speaker to take a further bold step by championing the long-overdue establishment of a seaport in the South East —an infrastructural necessity that has been unjustly denied to the region despite its immense contributions to Nigeria’s economy.

In a press statement signed on Tuesday by its President General, Engr. Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, the ICA decried the continued absence of a functional seaport in the South East, describing it as an enduring economic injustice that has stifled business growth, inflated costs, and subjected millions of hardworking traders and entrepreneurs to undue hardship.

It however lamented the exclusion of the region from Nigeria’s maritime infrastructure, arguing that this deliberate oversight has placed an unfair economic stranglehold on Igbo business owners, forcing them to endure the chaotic congestion and exploitative conditions at Lagos ports.

The association noted that despite being one of Nigeria’s most commercially vibrant regions, the South East remains without a single operational seaport, while other zones enjoy multiple maritime facilities. It recalled that Nigeria currently has six officially recognized seaports under the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), including the Lagos Port Complex (Apapa), Tin Can Island Port, Rivers Port Complex, Onne Port Complex, Delta Port Complex, and Calabar Port.

However, the ICA emphasized that only two of these ports —both located in Lagos—are fully operational, thereby exacerbating logistical challenges for South East importers who must endure exploitative levies, excessive delays, and multiple extortions while transporting goods from Lagos to the region. The group insisted that this economic imbalance is neither incidental nor justifiable but a calculated attempt to undermine the economic advancement of the South East.

The ICA President, Engr. Ezenekwe, called for immediate action to revive and expedite the long-abandoned plans for two strategic seaports in the region—the Obeaku Ndoki Port in Abia State and the Oseakwa Seaport in Anambra State. He described the proposed Oseakwa Port, located along the Oseakwa River in Ihiala Local Government Area, as a project of immense economic significance. He recalled that the location was once an active maritime hub during the colonial era, facilitating the exportation of goods, and stressed that the proposed port, situated approximately 285 kilometers from the Atlantic Ocean, has the potential to revolutionize commerce in the region, decongest Lagos ports, reduce transportation costs, and stimulate industrialization across the South East.

Reiterating its stance, the ICA asserted that the absence of a seaport is not merely an inconvenience but a deliberate act of economic sabotage that has forced Igbo entrepreneurs to spend billions of naira annually on excessive logistics costs, multiple taxation, and unofficial levies along the Lagos-Onitsha trade corridor. The statement also dismissed the claims and speculations that a seaport in the South East would be unviable, citing the region’s massive commercial activities in cities like Onitsha, Aba, and Nnewi, which account for a significant portion of Nigeria’s non-oil trade. It maintained that if the federal government is truly committed to national economic growth, then establishing a seaport in the South East should be a priority, not an afterthought.

The ICA further warned that continued neglect of this critical infrastructure would only reinforce the perception that the South East is deliberately sidelined in Nigeria’s economic framework, thereby deepening grievances of marginalization. It stressed that the economic transformation of the South East is not merely a regional demand but a national imperative, as it would contribute to a more balanced and productive economy. The group also argued that easing trade bottlenecks through the development of a South East seaport would boost Nigeria’s global competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and relieve pressure on the already overstretched Lagos ports.

While commending Rt. Hon. Benjamin Kalu for his outstanding leadership and legislative accomplishments in securing the SEDC, the ICA urged him to leverage this momentum to push for the actualization of a seaport as his next historic achievement. It described the Deputy Speaker as a fearless and pragmatic leader who has demonstrated an exceptional ability to navigate legislative processes to achieve tangible results.

The group also called on other federal lawmakers from the South East to rise to the occasion and collectively demand what rightfully belongs to the region, asserting that history would not be kind to those who remain silent while their people suffer systemic economic exclusion.

Challenging the federal government, the ICA demanded that its professed commitment to national development be matched with tangible action, rather than empty rhetoric. It insisted that the South East has waited too long for infrastructural equity, and that the time for excuses, delays, and political maneuvering is over. It warned that continued neglect of this issue would only fuel discontent and further erode the already fragile trust that many Igbos have in the Nigerian state.

The statement concluded by affirming that while the establishment of the SEDC is a significant milestone, it must not be seen as an isolated achievement but rather as a stepping stone towards a broader developmental agenda that includes the construction of a fully operational seaport. It urged Igbo political leaders, stakeholders, and business elites to unite and speak with one voice in demanding urgent federal action on this issue.

“The Igbo Community in Abuja has great confidence in the capabilities of our Deputy Speaker. We are proud to have him representing the nation in such a critical capacity. He has done remarkably well and understands the intricacies of legislative processes. We appeal to him to revisit the issue of seaports, as their establishment would significantly enhance economic activities not just for the South East, but for the entire nation.

“With the successful establishment of the SEDC, securing a seaport for the South East should be the next milestone. It will stand as another historic achievement. And the time is now,” the statement added.

Igbo Community in Abuja Ask for Building of Seaport in Soitheast