Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved ₦45 million for the State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA) to help reduce the spread of HIV/AIDS.
The governor made this known through his deputy, Bayo Lawal, during the inauguration of OYSACA Ambassadors at the agency’s Conference Room in Agodi, Ibadan.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Dotun Oyelade, the governor explained that the ₦45 million and the recent approval for the purchase of HIV test kits are part of efforts to strengthen the agency’s fight against the disease.
The new ambassadors include Saka Balogun, Ayo Ladigbolu, Mutiat Ladoja, Rasaq Adeleke, Wale Saminu, and Shina Peller. Governor Makinde said they were carefully chosen to help raise awareness and support the government’s campaign against HIV/AIDS in the state.
He noted that the inauguration of ambassadors is an important step in the collective fight to ensure that HIV/AIDS is no longer a public health threat.
The governor described the ambassadors as “champions of change” who would give a voice to the voiceless, inspire hope, promote education, and help save lives.
He also praised OYSACA for its initiatives, saying they will help reduce stigma, increase awareness, and ensure that people have access to HIV prevention, treatment, and care.
Makinde reminded the ambassadors that the government had already provided HIV test kits to support their work, and had also released the ₦45 million to boost the agency’s activities.
He urged everyone to work together to make sure the fight against HIV/AIDS brings real results, leaving no one behind.
The governor added that health has always been a key priority of his administration, both in his first term and now under the Omituntun 2.0 agenda.
Earlier, OYSACA Chairman, Gbola Adetunji, thanked the governor for his proactive approach. He said the funds would help the agency reach high-risk groups and provide life-saving services more effectively.
