The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) has empowered adolescents and youths with digital skills to help disseminate information, combat stigma, and promote awareness and understanding of HIV/AIDS-related issues.
Speaking at the opening of the five-day training in Abuja on Monday, the Director-General of NACA, Dr Temitope Ilori said the initiative was designed to leverage the wide reach and influence of digital platforms.
She added this was to drive positive change and inspire the adoption of healthy lifestyles.
The training was organised by NACA in collaboration with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and Caring Lots International Initiative.
Ilori noted that young people living with HIV (YPLHIV) and other vulnerable youths across West Africa often faced challenges such as stigma, discrimination, unemployment, and limited access to education and digital skills.
“The future is not only digital, our world today is already digital. Content creation has become an essential skill.
“Perception is everything, and we are witnessing a wide range of successful advocacy efforts through content creation,” Ilori said.
She added that the training would empower participants to become voices of change and hope.
“One of the things that breaks my heart is seeing online content that promotes risky sexual behaviour and drug use among youths,” she said.
Ilori highlighted NACA’s commitment to youth-focused HIV prevention, referencing the Nigeria HIV Prevention Strategy for Adolescents and Young People, which prioritised communication and content creation as a core strategy.
She called on the participants to become digital change agents and positive role models, using their platforms to advocate for health and social issues, particularly HIV/AIDS.
According to her, the training targeted 40 young people living with or affected by HIV in Abuja and surrounding areas, in line with Nigeria’s HIV programming goals and the UNAIDS 2030 targets.
“The goal is to improve their quality of life and support the adoption of positive lifestyles.
“The training covered a variety of topics, including: Introduction to Digital Skills & Opportunities. Entrepreneurship Training, AI Tools for Content Creation, Creating & Managing Digital Platforms, Multimedia Skills, Hands-On Design Using Canva.”
Ilori said that empowering young people with digital skills was critical for enhancing their socio-economic stability, mental well-being, and self-sufficiency.
“This initiative is expected to equip them to access remote job opportunities, become entrepreneurs, and effectively advocate for their rights,” she added.
Mr Murtala Mahmoud, representing the ACCI Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology (BEST) Centre, emphasised that the training was more than just learning software or social media tools, it was about empowerment, opportunity, and resilience.
“This initiative is a powerful example of what happens when government, private sector, and civil society come together to invest in young people.
“It’s not just a training, it’s a platform for transformation,” he said.
Also speaking, the First Deputy President of ACCI, Prof. Adesoji Adesugba encouraged participants to use their new skills to create more awareness on HIV/AIDS, especially at the community level.
“You are not only learning technical skills but also being positioned to become digital change agents, amplifying the voices of your communities and contributing to a more informed, engaged, and healthy society,” he said.
Some participants, in interviews expressed appreciation to the organisers, saying the skills and tools acquired would help them use digital platforms to promote health awareness and drive positive change.
Each of the 40 beneficiaries received a tablet device and a certificate of participation at the end of the training.
By Justina Auta
