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World AIDS Day 2023 Reminds History, Significance And Strategies to Lower Risk

World AIDS Day 2023 Reminds History, Significance And Strategies to Lower Risk
By:Babagana Bukar Wakil
World AIDS Day, observed on December 1st every year, is an international day dedicated to raising awareness about the AIDS pandemic caused by the spread of HIV infection. It is an opportunity for people worldwide to unite and show support for those living with HIV, commemorate those who have died from AIDS-related illnesses, and advocate for increased efforts to prevent new infections.
The history of World AIDS Day dates back to 1988 when the World Health Organization (WHO) announced it as an official global health observance.
The day was established to provide a platform for governments, organisations, and individuals to raise awareness and take action against HIV/AIDS. It was the first-ever Global Health Day, and it marked an important step in the fight against the epidemic.
The significance of World AIDS Day lies in its ability to WORK bring attention to the ongoing challenges posed by HIV/AIDS and to mobilise support for related issues.
The day enables people to educate themselves and others about HIV transmission, prevention, testing, treatment, and the stigma and discrimination faced by those living with the virus.
Through campaigns, events, and community activities, World AIDS Day plays a crucial role in breaking down barriers, encouraging dialogue, and fostering understanding. We can also utilise this day by focussing on educating people on AIDS and lowering risk by following correct strategies. Keep reading as we share a list of tips you can follow to lower your risk of AIDS.
Practice safe sex by using condoms consistently and correctly during every sexual encounter.
Get tested for HIV regularly, particularly if you engage in high-risk behaviours or have multiple partners.
Limit the number of sexual partners and choose partners who have also been tested for HIV.
Avoid sharing needles or any other drug paraphernalia, as this can transmit HIV.
Consider pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) if you are at high risk of contracting HIV. PrEP is a daily medication that can significantly reduce the risk of HIV transmission.
If you are HIV-positive, consistently take antiretroviral therapy (ART) as prescribed by your healthcare provider to lower your viral load and decrease the risk of transmitting the virus.
Educate yourself about HIV/AIDS and stay informed about the latest prevention strategies and treatments.
If you are pregnant and HIV-positive, seek prenatal care and take appropriate medications to prevent transmitting the virus to your baby.
Engage in open and honest communication with your sexual partners about sexual history, HIV status, and prevention strategies.
Support and promote initiatives that aim to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS, as this can help increase awareness and encourage broader prevention efforts.
Furthermore, the day serves as a powerful reminder of the millions of lives affected by HIV/AIDS globally. It helps build solidarity with those living with HIV, honours the memories of those who have lost their lives, and supports communities and families impacted by the disease. World AIDS Day serves as a rallying call for increased awareness, funding, and action towards ending AIDS as a public health threat by 2030, as outlined in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
World AIDS Day 2023 Reminds History, Significance And Strategies to Lower Risk
News
NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias

NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias
By: Michael Mike
The Executive Secretary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Dr. Tony Ojukwu has called on stakeholders to reflect on the values that Nelson Mandela embodied, including justice, dignity, equality, and compassion, as the world commemorates World Mandela Day.
Dr. Ojukwu made this call in a statement on the eve of the commemoration, noting that Mandela’s legacy serves as a powerful reminder of the need to promote and protect human rights, particularly in Nigeria’s correctional centers.
According to him, the current state of Nigeria’s correctional centres, which are overcrowded, under-resourced, and lack basic sanitation and healthcare, reflects a failure of infrastructure, justice, and humanity.
He lamented that thousands of citizens are held in pre-trial detention for years due to poverty and lack of access to justice, while the rich have greater access to quality legal defense and bail, perpetuating systemic bias.
The NHRC Executive Secretary urged the Nigerian government, judicial authorities, private sector, and civil society to prioritize comprehensive reforms in detention facilities and correctional centers, including improving conditions, investing in alternatives to pre-trial detention, ensuring speedy trials, and upholding the rights of inmates.
Ojukwu emphasized the need to tackle the root causes of incarceration, such as poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to justice, in order to build a society that values the dignity and human rights of all individuals, regardless of their socio-economic status.
Nelson Mandela Day is celebrated annually on the 18th of July.
NHRC Calls for Reforms in Correctional Centres, Cites Systemic Bias
News
Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery

Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery
By: Michael Mike
The Ondo State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Backbone Infrastructure Limited for the establishment of a 500,000 barrels per day oil refinery and development of free trade zone in Igbotiri, Ilaje Local Government Area of the state.
The signing ceremony took place at the Governor’s office in Akure.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti represented the Governor, Dr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa at the ceremony.
He described the proposed investment as timely and strategic, assuring the investors of a peaceful and business-friendly environment.
He emphasized that the project would boost the state’s economy, create meaningful job opportunities, and reduce crime.
In his remarks on behalf of Backbone Infrastructure, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate services, Barrister Wale Adekola expressed appreciation to the Ondo State Government for the opportunity to partner in the infrastructure development of the State and assured of his company’s commitment to ensure successful delivery of the two projects.
Similarly, the Managing Director / Chief Executive of Backbone Infrastructure Nigeria Limited, Engr. Henry Owonka, revealed that the two projects would be accompanied by basic infrastructure such as roads, terminal storage tanks, and other facilities that will change the landscape of the State.
According to the MOU breakdown on the Refinery, Backbone Infrastructure Limited will hold 65% equity, while the Ondo State Government will hold 20% and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) will hold 15% stake.
Meanwhile, the investors have expressed confidence in the leadership and vision of the Aiyedatiwa-led administration, citing the clarity of purpose and support they have received as the reason for choosing Ondo State as their investment destination.
The state government equally pledged its support for the project, which is expected to transform the state’s economy and create jobs.
Present at the signing of the MOU were the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Taiwo Fasoranti. Attorney General and commissioner for Justice, Kayode Ajulo, SAN , the ONDIPA Team while the Backbone team was led by Dr. Steve Dike, a member of the Board of Directors representing the Chairman, Senator Ken Nnamani, Managing Director/CEO Engr. Henry Owonka, the Vice President, Legal & Corporate Services, other members of the management team from the Backbone infrastructure limited among other top government functionaries.
Ondo State Government Signs MOU with Backbone Infrastructure for 500,000 BPD Oil Refinery
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Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition

Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition
By: Zagazola Makama
Operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID–IRT) have arrested two notorious arms traffickers and recovered a cache of deadly weapons in Abinsi town, Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
Sources from the Benue State Police Command confirmed the development Thursday, describing the arrest as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of illegal arms fueling insecurity in the North-Central region.
According to the sources, the suspects led by one Adikwu Ikwulono, a known illegal arms dealer were apprehended on Wednesday following credible intelligence.
Recovered from the suspects were one rocket launcher, five AK-47 rifles, and thousands of rounds of 7.62mm live ammunition.
Police say preliminary investigations revealed that the arms were being assembled for delivery to a gang of armed herders and bandits operating around the Benue–Nasarawa border, with plans to launch coordinated attacks on several communities in Benue State.
“The suspects are currently undergoing intensive interrogation with the FID, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend other members of the arms-smuggling syndicate,” the police sources said.
Police arrest notorious gunrunners in Benue, recover rocket launcher, AK-47 rifles, thousands of ammunition
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