Angela Onwuzoo
The Lagos State Government has empowered no fewer than 100 people living with HIV in the state with equipment and cash to make them self-reliant and economically independent.
Making the presentation to beneficiaries on Tuesday, at the state House of Assembly after an awareness walk, the Chief Executive Officer of Lagos State Aids Control Agency, Dr Folakemi Animashaun, said beyond raising awareness, there was a need to take real action and make a tangible difference in the lives of people living with HIV.
The empowerment programme and awareness walk were organised by LSACA as part of the state’s activities to commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day with the theme, “Take the right path: My health, my right!”
World AIDS Day is commemorated on December 1 every year to promote awareness about HIV/AIDS prevention, reduce stigmatisation, and support individuals living with the virus.
Animashaun said LSACA would continue to prioritise the needs of people living with HIV in the state as the empowerment exercise marked a turning point in the lives of the beneficiaries who expressed gratitude to the government.
She said the empowerment was aimed at providing them with the tools they need to rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and live with dignity.
The LSACA CEO said,” We are here not only to observe this important day but to celebrate resilience, solidarity, and the steps we are taking to empower individuals living with HIV. Today, we come together in a shared commitment to uplifting lives and breaking barriers, one action at a time.
“The walk we just completed was a powerful demonstration of unity and collective strength. But as we gather here now, we move from raising awareness to taking real action – action that will make a tangible difference in the lives of people living with HIV.”
Animashaun pledged the state government’s commitment to providing concrete support to those who have been affected by the HIV epidemic.
“We know that empowerment is about more than just words. It’s about providing individuals with the tools they need to rebuild their lives, contribute to their communities, and live with dignity.
“To those receiving sewing machines, sterilizing kits for barbers/salon owners, and grinding machines, these tools represent more than just equipment – they represent opportunity. They are a stepping stone to financial independence and self-sufficiency.
“For the many individuals who have faced exclusion and stigma due to their HIV status, today marks a new chapter. These items will help create livelihoods and bring about greater economic stability”, the LSACA boss said.
She noted that the Agency was particularly mindful of older adults living with HIV in the state, assuring that LSACA would continue to provide financial support for their upkeep and for small businesses to support their ongoing well-being.
She noted that the gesture symbolises respect for their lifelong contributions, and “we hope they will ease their burden, enabling them to live their lives with greater peace of mind.”
Continuing, she said they were pleased to provide supplementary assistance to the support groups across the networks, adding that relief materials would enhance their overall well-being.
Animashaun further said, “These meaningful gestures, though simple, are crucial in ensuring that no one is left behind as we work together toward a brighter and more inclusive future.
“We owe tremendous gratitude to Her Excellency, the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, whose unwavering support contributed significantly to making today’s initiative possible. Her generosity has directly contributed to the supplementary assistance that we are providing. We also want to express our appreciation to all the stakeholders, partners, and individuals who have worked tirelessly to make this event a reality.”
The LSACA boss also commended the partners, healthcare providers, and frontline workers for their support.
She said the fight against the HIV/AIDS epidemic was a collective responsibility.
She warned against the stigmatisation of people living with the virus, saying the state had passed a law to prevent stigmatisation and discrimination against people with HIV.
In his remarks, Permanent Secretary, Office of Chief of Staff, Mr Kadri Oluwasanu, said empowerment was crucial to enable people living with HIV to be self-sufficient.
He said the gesture was a way of giving hope to people living with HIV and also letting them know that they were not alone.
“People living with HIV are not alone, the government is with them. The state government will do whatever is necessary to support them”, the PS added.
The Executive Director of Youth Development and Empowerment Initiative, Adeoye Oluwatomisin, said YEDI was delighted to partner with the Lagos State government in its HIV programmes.
Oluwatomisin advised Nigerians to shun all acts of stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
She urged Nigerians to strive to know their HIV status.
Calling for compassion and understanding for people living with HIV, the YEDI executive director said, “Let’s stop discrimination, let’s stop stigma, let’s embrace those with HIV, let’s allow them to come up and access care so that we all can be safe.
“Know your HIV status. Only when you know your status, can you know if you need to access health care.”
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