inBy Ola Soyinka
The Eagle Square Rally, organised by the National AIDS Control Agency (NACA) in Nigeria, has become a predictable fixture on World AIDS Day that civil society groups and the general public in Abuja can organise their activities around. Civil society groups are involved in the activities through a representative who addresses the rally, as well as through exhibition stands for their information, education and communication materials and other wares.
cThe rally, which was particularly relevant this year because of the theme of leadership, is usually attended by many senior government figures including the President of Nigeria. Government officials present for the 2007 event included the Minister of Youth, representing the Guest of Honour, Vice President, Goodluck Jonathan who was not in attendance, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Alhaji Babagana Kingibe, Hon Minister for Health, Prof Adenike Grange, the Minister for Information, John Odey and Professor Osotimehin, the Director General of NACA.
Civil society organisations participated in a joint march and the procession was accompanied by music from a float with members of the youth organisations. The procession arrived at Eagle Square in time for the start of proceedings.
This year, the Vice President – who was to represent President Umar Yar’Adua, did not show up, and was represented by a Federal Minister. Despite a speech that emphasised the commitment of government to scaling up the national response, civil society members hoped that the absence of the President and Vice President was not more indicative of the actual attitude of the new administration.
“The political leadership, especially from the Presidency did not seem to show significant commitment this year. Leaders are good at making commitments but don’t often deliver. Decision makers need to act on their words. We have had enough promises,” said Bimbola Adewunmi of Journalists Against AIDS.
In his address on behalf of civil society groups, Ayo Ipinmoye of Civil Society for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, thanked the government for the work done so far and stressed the need for further scaling-up. He also announced the launch of the Peoples AIDS agenda.
However, the day was not all speeches. A cultural dance group, comprising people living with HIV, performed energetically to the delight of onlookers. Children, dressed in red, also lined up to form the red ribbon symbol of HIV. The crowd was able to enjoy the launch of a large hot-air balloon emblazoned with the NACA logo and the simple instruction – ‘Know Your Status’. In addition the Minister for Youth, representing the Vice President, officially launched the National HIV Prevention plan - the government strategy for reducing the number of new infections in Nigeria.
As the crowds drifted away, the festive atmosphere was further enlivened with floats and mobile sound systems as the youth activities for World AIDS Day got underway with a march through Abuja City centre.