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By Bianca Iboma-Emefu
The Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS (NiBUCAA) marked World AIDS Day 2025 with an ambitious outreach to underserved border communities in Badagry, Lagos, providing HIV testing, counselling, and educational campaigns.
This year’s global theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” emphasizes the need for multi sector partnerships in the HIV response.
NiBUCAA’s initiative focused on Badagry, a strategic border town with a large transient population moving between Nigeria, Togo, and Ghana—factors that heighten vulnerability to HIV transmission.
“Badagry is a high-risk zone that cannot be ignored in Nigeria’s HIV response,” said NiBUCAA official Isaac Akoredele Ogundiminegha. “We are going into communities so people know their status, and then linking them to treatment facilities to reduce the spread of the virus.”
The outreach targeted key populations, including people who injection and drugs users, providing free HIV testing, counselling, condoms, and educational materials.
Ogundiminegha stressed the critical role of private sector support alongside government efforts. “Lagos State has been responsive, but more funding is needed to meet the demands of its growing population,” he said.
Representing the Executive Chairman of Badagry Local Government, Kambo Nunga Joshua Nunayi described the program as part of a renewed local commitment to health education.
He urged residents to embrace routine HIV testing, noting that early detection saves lives. Nunayi highlighted the Chairman’s health initiatives, including the renovation of a 24-hour Primary Health Centre at Keta and free medical screenings at the Badagry Local Government Secretariat.
“Young people must take responsibility for their sexual health,” Nunayi said. “Use protection if you have untrusted partners, and take advantage of free condoms and education provided.”
NiBUCAA representative Chike Chizurum Ngozi echoed this message, urging youths to test regularly, practice safe sex, and avoid sharing sharp objects.
He commended ongoing collaborative efforts by NIBUCAA, LSACA, and NACA in sustaining HIV prevention and awareness programs across Lagos and Nigeria.
The World AIDS Day outreach in Badagry combined community sensitisation, free testing and counselling, condom distribution, and educational campaigns, reinforcing NiBUCAA’s commitment to Nigeria’s goal of ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.
“Through these initiatives, we demonstrate the power of communities to drive positive change,” Ogundiminegha said. “We call on individuals, businesses, and communities to join the fight against HIV/AIDS.”
Several beneficiaries of the program shared their thoughts during the campaign. 25-year-old resident Ifeoma Adeyemi said, “I never really thought about getting tested until today. Now I know my status, and I will encourage my friends to do the same.”
Another participant, 32-year-old trader Samuel Obinna, added, “The counselling session opened my eyes. I will be more careful and make sure my family and community are safe too.”
A young student, 19-year-old Blessing Afolabi, commented, “The free condoms and education are very helpful. I feel more empowered to take charge of my sexual health.”
These testimonies highlight the immediate impact of NiBUCAA’s outreach, as residents commit to applying the knowledge and resources provided to safeguard their health and that of their community.
