News Editor
From Scholastica Hir Makurdi
As Nigerians join the rest of the world to celebrate the Valentine’s day, a non Governmental Organization NGO, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria has urged the public, young people especially, to express love responsibly by observing safe sexual behaviours and use condoms.
The International Condom Day (ICD) is observed globally on February 13.
“It is observed just before Valentine’s Day to remind people that love should be accompanied by responsible and safe sexual behaviour,” Dr Onyeyili Ikemefuna, Kogi State Coordinator of AHF Nigeria said.
AHF marked the 2025 ICD in Kogi by conducted an awareness campaign in Lokoja as well as organizing a health outreach in Makurdi the Benue state capital and FCT, Abuja on Thursday to highlight the importance of condom use and raise awareness about Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs).
Ikemefuna who spoke in Lokoja encouraged young people to embrace condom use, emphasizing that it was essential for protecting against STIs and preventing unintended pregnancies.
“It’s Valentine’s Day and people will engage in sex whether we like it or not. We can’t stop them, but we advise condom use because it is better to be safe than to seek treatment.”
Ikemefuna also mentioned that AHF Nigeria had produced enough condoms, which were being distributed for free as part of the campaign.
Dr Folashade Ayoade, Secretary to the Kogi State Government, who joined the campaign, commended AHF Nigeria and other stakeholders for the initiative.
She encouraged people to use condoms, stressing that it remained an effective option for triple protection: preventing HIV, STIs, and unplanned pregnancies.
Meanwhile the Advocacy and Marketing Manager at AHF Nigeria, Mr Steve Aborishade, harped on the need to promote condom use, especially among young people to combat the rising rates of STIs.
“We always tell them to abstain, but we realize many cannot, and that’s why we are seeing an increase in STIs, including HIV/AIDS.
“With the theme ‘Kuku Use Am, No Shake Body,’ we are targeting young people to promote condom use, which can protect their dreams,” he said.”
Aborishade told our correspondent that the event included a health talk on STIs and a demonstration on how to properly use condoms.
He said stakeholders also embarked on a road walk which kicked off at the Ministry of Health, and terminated at the Federal University Lokoja (FUL) Andankolo campus.
He explained that the campaign was to promote safer sex practices, reduce stigma, and equip young people with the knowledge to make informed decisions about their sexual health.
