First Lady Urges Support for Tinubu’s Drive to Make Nigeria HIV-free by 2030

Deji Elumoye in Abuja

Wife of the President, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday made a passionate appeal to Nigerians to support move by the President Bola Tinubu-led government’s renewed commitment to ending HIV/AIDS in the country by year 2030.According to her, national unity and collective responsibility are essential for achieving the set target.Speaking at the 2025 World AIDS Day commemoration event held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja, Mrs Tinubu declared: “As we move forward, I call on all Nigerians to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu in his commitment to achieving an HIV-free Nigeria by 2030.”Expressing optimism, the First Lady said Nigeria must continue to show empathy, compassion, and resilience as it works towards “ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.”She stated that the day offered “an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment,” stressing that Nigeria must not lose momentum after years of notable progress in prevention, treatment, and care.Despite gains recorded in partnership with global donors, the First Lady warned that stigma and discrimination remain strong barriers, urging Nigerians to “confront the judgment and exclusion that still surrounds HIV/AIDS,” and ensure every affected person is treated with dignity.Mrs Tinubu highlighted recent strides under the national HIV response, including prioritising the elimination of vertical transmission, expanding paediatric treatment, and strengthening long-term sustainability.She noted that with robust support from the Global Fund, the National AIDS and STDs Control Programme (NASCP) had made “significant progress,” especially in protecting mothers and children.The First Lady also highlighted the Free to Shine Campaign, launched nationwide this year through the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development (OAFLAD), which promotes the triple elimination of HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis by 2030.According to her, the initiative reinforces Africa’s political will to safeguard women and children through early testing, timely treatment, and stigma reduction.“We are moving steadily towards the global target of eliminating mother-to-child transmission of HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis B by 2030,” she said, noting that integration of health services and efficient resource use have boosted results.Mrs Tinubu, however, cautioned that Nigeria’s HIV response remains heavily donor-dependent, making sustainability a crucial concern as international funding patterns shift.While welcoming the Federal Government’s proactive approval of $200 million to support HIV, tuberculosis, and malaria programmes, the First Lady disclosed that NACA had begun deeper engagements with state governments to ensure “long-term ownership and continuity” of interventions.She commended the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate; Director-General of NACA, Dr. Temitope Ilori; NASCP; development partners; civil society groups; and traditional and religious leaders for sustaining Nigeria’s HIV response.Mrs Tinubu also appealed directly to families, teachers, and young people, stressing the need for open conversations and responsible health behaviour.Her words: “HIV/AIDS is no longer a disease of shame. To our young people, take responsibility for your health—get tested and know your status. To our communities, let us foster a culture of love, acceptance, and support”.