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Two African Social Media Influencers Living with HIV to Address UNGA
Two African Social Media Influencers Living with HIV to Address UNGA
By: Michael Mike
Two young social media influencers living with HIV with the support of the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS) are on their way to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the Summit of the Future in New York to urge world leaders to partner with them in the response to HIV.
The two, Ibanomonde Ngema from South Africa and Jerop Lima from Kenya, according to a statement on Thursday by UNAIDS, will call on leaders to invest in youth-friendly health systems, provide holistic services for young people living with HIV, and to partner with young people and communities, allowing them to lead in the response to HIV.
Executive Director of UNAIDS. Winnie Byanyima said: “Young people’s powerful and vibrant activism has driven so much of the progress made in the HIV response,” adding that: “They know what works for them. It is essential for leaders to listen to them to understand the specific challenges that young people face and how those challenges can be overcome. Leaders can only successfully plan how to end AIDS and sustain the advances made by partnering with young people living with HIV.”
The young Kenyan HIV activist. Jerop Limo, said: “I am representing not only the voices of 1.5 million Kenyans living with HIV but all people living with HIV,” adding that: “I want leaders to leave New York knowing that we are not beneficiaries, we are equal rights holders. We have a voice, we have skills and expertise and we need an equal playing field where our data is valued, where our input is valued and where our voices are heard. We want meaningful and ethical engagement of adolescents and young people in all spaces of the AIDS response.”
According to the statement, young people, especially adolescent girls and young women, are disproportionately affected by HIV. Globally, 44% of all new HIV infections were among women and girls (all ages) in 2023 and every week 4000 young women and girls around the world are infected with HIV—3100 are in sub-Saharan Africa. In 2023, some 3.1 million adolescents and young people (15-24 yrs) were living with HIV—1.9 million were adolescent girls and young women.
Ibanomonde Ngema, a young South African AIDS activist, said: “Governments meeting here in New York cannot end AIDS alone. They need to involve us to find solutions. We have lived experiences of HIV, from treatment to mental health, because we navigate life with HIV every day. We need to be included in policymaking so that we can take full ownership of ending end AIDS as a public threat,”
He noted that: “The world can only benefit when young people are included in the global HIV response. No conversation about HIV should take place without us, from policy to practice in communities.”
The safety decried that too often young people report facing stigma and discrimination, including from doctors and healthcare workers, when they access sexual and reproductive health and HIV services. This discourages them from seeking support and crucial information about their health, putting them at risk of HIV infection or of defaulting on treatment for those who are living with HIV.
The statement added that young people living with HIV play a critical role in the fight against AIDS in communities. They offer support and share important information about HIV that schools or parents might not talk about. They also challenge stigma and discrimination through social media, helping to save lives and encourage young people to stay on treatment.
It also added that they drive innovation in communities, for example, a self-funded project by the Youth Empowerment Group uses e-bikes to deliver antiretroviral medicines, food and adherence support to young people who often cannot attend clinics because their schooling hours conflict with clinic opening times in Namibia.
However, their transformational work is being held back because it is not being sufficiently supported. Youth-led HIV responses often operate with little or no financial and political support. At the UNGA the two young people will call on world leaders to fully support and fund their work. They will also urge leaders to uphold the human rights of young people as key to ending AIDS as a public health threat—they will call on them to protect young people’s right to healthcare, education, freedom of speech, and to provide social support to young people living with HIV.
Jerop Lima said: “Providing treatment is not enough, young people living with HIV need an education and they need a job to survive,” adding that: “We need to be seen as equal contributors and partners, and we need investment to allow us drive change. We are the leaders of the future and we need to be included now to help shape a better future for us all.”
Two African Social Media Influencers Living with HIV to Address UNGA
Nigeria, Iran Pledge to Strengthen South–South Cooperation
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria and Iran have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening South–South cooperation and expanding bilateral relations, as officials, diplomats, and subnational leaders gathered in Abuja to mark the 47th anniversary of Iran’s Islamic Revolution.
Speaking at the event, Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Gholamreza Mahdavi Raja, described the anniversary as an opportunity to reflect on Iran’s journey since 1979 and to strengthen partnerships with friendly nations like Nigeria.
“The Islamic Revolution of Iran was not merely a transfer of political power; it marked the beginning of national sovereignty, popular governance, and the restoration of the dignity and independence of the Iranian nation,” he said.
Raja highlighted Iran’s achievements over the past four decades despite regional and global challenges, citing progress in science and technology, healthcare, industrial production, infrastructure, and non-oil exports. He also emphasized Iran’s commitment to balanced diplomacy, dialogue, and multilateralism, positioning the country as a responsible actor on regional and global stages.
On bilateral relations, Raja noted that Nigeria held a strategic position in Iran’s Africa policy, while Iran’s expertise in energy, industry, agriculture, healthcare, technology, and education made it a reliable partner for Nigeria’s development goals. “The deepening of friendly relations between Iran and Nigeria will not only serve the national interests of both countries but will also strengthen South–South cooperation and contribute to global peace and development,” he said.
Representing the Nigerian government, Ambassador Bukar Buni Hamman, Director of the Regions Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, conveyed goodwill to Iran on the anniversary. He acknowledged the growth of economic ties between the two nations in sectors such as energy, agriculture, manufacturing, and consumer goods, highlighting opportunities for further diversification under South–South cooperation.
Nigeria, Iran Pledge to Strengthen South–South Cooperation
NiDCOM Hails Nigerians’ Historic Triumph at 2026 Grammy Awards
By: Michael Mike
The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated three Nigerians of global acclaim — Shaboozey, Tyler, the Creator, and Cynthia Erivo — on their landmark victories at the 2026 Grammy Awards.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Dabiri-Erewa described the Grammy wins as a moment of immense pride for Nigeria, noting that the achievements underscore the far-reaching impact of Nigerian talent and heritage on the world’s biggest cultural stages.
She said the success of Shaboozey, born Collins Obinna Chibueze; Tyler, the Creator, born Tyler Gregory Okonma; and award-winning actress and singer Cynthia Erivo, born Cynthia Chinasaokwu Onyedinmanazu Amarachukwu Owezuke Echimino Erivo, reflects the creativity, resilience and excellence deeply rooted in Nigerian identity.
According to Dabiri-Erewa, their recognition at one of the world’s most prestigious music awards goes beyond individual accomplishment, representing a collective celebration of Nigerians and people of Nigerian descent across the global diaspora.
She also acknowledged the continued global influence of Nigeria-based artistes such as Davido, Burna Boy, Ayra Starr and Wizkid, whose works have helped elevate Nigerian music and culture on the international stage.
The NiDCOM boss stressed that despite being based abroad, the Grammy-winning artistes remain unmistakably Nigerian in heritage, family history and cultural identity, adding that their success continues to amplify Nigeria’s rich cultural footprint worldwide.
Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians at home and in the diaspora, as well as the media and cultural institutions, to embrace a more inclusive definition of national pride — one that recognises Nigerian excellence wherever it emerges.
She noted that celebrating the achievements of Nigerians in the diaspora strengthens national unity, enhances Nigeria’s global image and serves as inspiration to younger generations aspiring to make their mark internationally.
The 2026 Grammy Awards saw several milestones for artistes of Nigerian heritage, further reinforcing Nigeria’s growing influence in global music and entertainment.
NiDCOM Hails Nigerians’ Historic Triumph at 2026 Grammy Awards
ECOWAS Launches Women’s Economic Empowerment and Digital Peacebuilding Pilot in Benue
By: Michael Mike
The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a pilot initiative aimed at strengthening economic empowerment and digital peacebuilding among women in Benue State, as part of efforts to address the prolonged humanitarian and displacement crisis in North-Central Nigeria.
The project, implemented through ECOWAS’ Directorate of Trade and the Directorate of Humanitarian and Social Affairs in partnership with the Benue State Government, targets women-led community-based organisations working on Women, Peace and Security (WPS) in conflict-affected communities.
The launch coincided with the start of a five-day capacity-building programme running from February 9 to 13, featuring a Training of Trainers (ToT) for 12 participants drawn from community-based organisations, civil society groups and internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
The trained participants are expected to cascade the knowledge through step-down sessions that will reach at least 60 women and girls in selected IDP camps and host communities across the state.
The initiative responds to the persistent displacement and humanitarian challenges in Benue State and aligns with the state’s Durable Solutions Action Plan, which prioritizes sustainable reintegration of displaced persons through livelihood recovery, peacebuilding and community resilience.
ECOWAS said the pilot recognises the critical role played by women-led grassroots organizations in mobilising communities, promoting social cohesion and advancing peace in areas affected by conflict. The project is designed to strengthen their institutional capacity while equipping conflict-affected women and girls with practical economic and digital skills.
Anchored in ECOWAS Vision 2050, the Trade and Gender Action Plan and the ECOWAS E-Commerce Strategy (2023), the pilot integrates economic empowerment, digital literacy and digital peacebuilding through a cascade training model. Trained WPS organizations will deliver step-down sessions directly within IDP camps and host communities.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, ECOWAS Director Dr. Sintiki Tarfa-Ugbe described the initiative as a strategic intervention that empowers women-led organizations to drive durable solutions at the grassroots while harnessing digital tools to promote inclusion, resilience and peace.
She noted that strengthening women’s economic agency and digital capacity is essential to building sustainable peace in fragile and displacement-affected communities.
In her remarks, the Secretary to the Benue State Government, Barrister Aber Serumum Deborah, commended ECOWAS for the initiative, saying it would reinforce grassroots peacebuilding efforts and enhance women’s participation in implementing the state’s Durable Solutions Action Plan.
According to her, the project will also contribute to livelihood recovery for women and girls affected by conflict, while strengthening community ownership of peace and reintegration processes.
The pilot will be implemented over a two-month period, beginning with preparation and adaptation of training modules, followed by training delivery, monitoring and documentation. ECOWAS said the initiative is expected to produce a scalable model that can be replicated across other Member States in the region.
The launch ceremony was attended by representatives of the Benue State Government, humanitarian and displacement-response agencies, civil society organisations, non-governmental organisations, internally displaced persons, as well as officials from ECOWAS and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
ECOWAS said the initiative underscores its commitment to placing women and girls at the centre of durable solutions and sustainable peacebuilding in West Africa, leveraging digital innovation to address immediate recovery needs while laying the foundation for long-term regional impact.
ECOWAS Launches Women’s Economic Empowerment and Digital Peacebuilding Pilot in Benue
Nigeria, Iran Pledge to Strengthen South–South Cooperation
Nigeria’s Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Sen. Abubakar Kyari: A Strategic Leadership for Global Agricultural Governance
NiDCOM Hails Nigerians’ Historic Triumph at 2026 Grammy Awards
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