…as ANSACA unveils ambitious programme, to host maiden international HIV scientific symposium and statewide awareness campaign

By Uzo Ugwunze

In a renewed push to eliminate HIV/AIDS in Anambra State by 2030, the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA) has unveiled an ambitious programme of activities to mark the 2026 World AIDS Day, with a strong focus on prevention, access to treatment, community engagement and the fight against stigma and discrimination.

The agency, under the leadership of its Executive Director/Project Manager, Dr. Nkem Okeke, KSC, is bringing together government institutions, development partners, traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth organisations and community stakeholders to strengthen collective efforts towards ending the HIV epidemic in the state.

With the theme, “Ending AIDS Starts with Access: Equity, Ownership and Sustainability,” this year’s commemoration is designed to move beyond the usual awareness campaigns and translate commitments into concrete action.

The focus is on ensuring that everyone, regardless of their location or circumstances, has access to HIV prevention services, testing, treatment and sustained care.

As part of the activities, ANSACA has lined up a World AIDS Day press conference, its maiden International HIV Scientific Symposium, a high-level advocacy visit, an HIV awareness walk, community roadshows and a Community Champion Honorarium Dinner.

The activities will provide opportunities to share scientific knowledge, strengthen partnerships, reach more people with life-saving information and recognise individuals and organisations making outstanding contributions to HIV prevention and care.

Speaking on the preparations, the Executive Director/Project Manager, Dr. Okeke, said the agency was determined to make the 2026 commemoration a turning point in the state’s HIV response, stressing that ending AIDS would require sustained commitment and active participation from all sectors of society.

“Our message is clear: ending AIDS is possible, but it requires more than promises. We must take HIV prevention to every community, make testing and treatment accessible to everyone, confront stigma wherever it exists and build a sustainable, community-driven response. No one must be left behind,” said Okeke.

Dr. Okeke also acknowledged the commitment of Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, CFR, noting that the agency’s initiatives align with his administration’s emphasis on human capital development, accessible healthcare and building a healthier and more productive Anambra State.

He called on traditional institutions, faith-based organisations, tertiary institutions, civil society groups, the private sector, development partners and residents across the state to take ownership of the campaign and participate actively in the activities scheduled for December 1, 2026.

ANSACA also stressed the importance of correcting misconceptions about HIV, reminding the public that an HIV diagnosis is no longer a death sentence. With early diagnosis, access to effective antiretroviral treatment and consistent medical care, people living with HIV can enjoy healthy, fulfilling and productive lives.

As Anambra joins the global community to commemorate World AIDS Day, the agency is renewing its commitment to a future where new HIV infections are prevented, AIDS-related deaths are eliminated, and no one is subjected to stigma or discrimination because of their HIV status.

For ANSACA, the goal is clear: an HIV-free Anambra by 2030, built on three fundamental commitments — Zero New HIV Infections, Zero AIDS-Related Deaths, and Zero Stigma and Discrimination.

A Kano State High Court No. 11, sitting at Bompai area of kano municipality, has discharged and acquitted a man, Yusuf Nadabo Kawule, who was standing trial for allegedly killing his wife.

The court, presided over by Justice Nasir Saminu, freed the defendant after ruling that the prosecution failed to provide sufficient evidence to establish the murder charge against him.

Yusuf was charged with culpable homicide under Section 221 of the Penal Code but pleaded not guilty to the offence.

During the trial, the prosecution presented its witnesses, while the defendant also testified in his defence.

The incident occurred in 2021 at Kogo village in Takai Local Government Area of Kano State.

He was alleged to have taken his wife on a motorcycle to look for a house for her in another village when they were involved in an accident that led to her death.

Following the incident, security operatives arrested him and subsequently charged him to court.

DailyTrust

A man, Bilyaminu Idris, on Monday dragged his former fiancée’s father, Alhassan Dayyabu, before a Shariah Court in Magajin Gari, Kaduna, seeking the balance on the dowry he paid.

The complainant said he was supposed to marry the defendant’s daughter and paid N220,000 as dowry, but the marriage was later cancelled.

Idris said the amount of N150,000 was returned to him by Dayyabu, with a promise to pay the remaining N70,000.

“He kept making empty promises on paying the balance for five months but failed. I pray the court to compel him to pay me the money,” he said.

Dayyabu agreed that he was supposed to pay the balance of N70,000 to Idris.

He begged the court to give him time to put the money together.

The Judge, Malam Mu’awiyah Shehu, adjourned the case until Nov. 26 for the defendant to pay Idris his money. (NAN)