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Share love not HIV on Valentine’s Day

By Chukwuma Muanya
13 February 2018   |   3:00 am
Ahead of Valentine’s Day tomorrow, the Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Sani Aliyu, has urged Nigerians, especially young people to love wisely, share love not Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Aliyu in a statement signed by Head, Public Relations and Protocol, NACA, Mrs. Toyin Aderibigbe, said…

HIV. PHOTO CREDIT: https://img.huffingtonpost.com/<br />

Ahead of Valentine’s Day tomorrow, the Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Sani Aliyu, has urged Nigerians, especially young people to love wisely, share love not Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV)/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Aliyu in a statement signed by Head, Public Relations and Protocol, NACA, Mrs. Toyin Aderibigbe, said this period is particularly noted for young people expressing their love for one another, which could lead to impulsive decisions such as unprotected sex resulting in unplanned pregnancies and an increased risk of acquiring Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) including HIV/AIDS.

He urges Nigerians to take advantage of the spirit of love and togetherness that Valentine’s Day signifies to know their HIV status. “A young person not tested may not have the opportunity to enjoy future Valentine’s Days if he or she is diagnosed late or presents with terminal complications related to HIV infection and AIDS.”

The DG noted that the first sexual contact in Nigeria begins at less than 15 years for 15 per cent of Nigeria’s youth. This, coupled with the practice of having multiple sexual partners increases HIV vulnerability among the youth population.

New HIV infection is currently highest among young people aged 15-24 years. It is important to reduce this worrying trend by encouraging faithful relationships for those who cannot abstain from sex, and the use of barrier protection such as condoms, which prevent STIs including HIV and unwanted pregnancies.”

Meanwhile, British Airways has introduced a promo for the travel savvy public who intend making the season of love an exciting period. To celebrate this year’s Valentine Day, British Airways offers promotional fares in World Traveller from $426. The public will have access to the Valentine’s Day promo fares to travel to London and other destinations. For those planning a romantic getaway to the romantic city, Paris, British Airways is also offering World Traveller promo fares from $468.

Mr. Kola Olayinka, British Airways Regional Manager for West Africa said: “The promo fares is available now for British Airways customers and the general public for minimum stay of three days and maximum stay of 12 months.”

Also, Sweet Sensation confectionery in conjunction with Coca Cola, will tomorrow celebrate her esteemed customers and lovers across its Lagos and Abeokuta outlets with a Valentine fiesta event. In a statement by Mr. ‘Emeka Ugbogu, Head, Marketing, the event is to create the enabling atmosphere for customers and lovers to feel love, share and express love in the respective Sweet Sensation outlets.

According to Ugbogu, the event will feature free comedy shows, Karaoke, free Shawarmas, love cakes and candies, and the audience will have an opportunity to participate in the draws for selection to attend the on-going Coca Cola Trophy Tour in Nigeria.

The event will hold, starting from 10a.m. in seven Sweet Sensation outlets: Apple Junction (Festac), Alagomeji (Yaba), Bode Thomas (Surulere), Egbeda 1, Ifako, Ikorodu and Ibara (Abeokuta).

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