THE WORLD AIDS DAY EVENT, 2008
The 1st of December, 2008 marked the 20th World AIDS Day. HACEY, Health Actions Concerning the Environment and You, celebrated this day in a memorable way. The non-governmental organization marked her 2nd World AIDS Day event on this day at Alpha Hall, Adewole Estate, Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria. The theme of the event was HIV/AIDS: future of the Infected and Affected. The event began at 10:00am and was chaired by Professor A. O. Soladoye, the Dean of the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ilorin. In attendance were representatives of the Provost, College of Education, Hajia S. M. Belgore, the state director, EU-PRIME, Mr. Wurola Caleb, and other invited guests.
The event comprised of a
drama presentation by one of the invited secondary schools in attendance, Queen
Elizabeth School, entertainment from Lagos, Ilorin, Benin and Oyo based
performers such as Odia from the National Maltina Dancehall, Tweezy, Joeboy and
Ayo, Grandson and Silica. Songs composed by participants were sung at the
event. They include ‘Wéré’ by Oriyomi, and Imagine by HACEY music group.
The event hosted the commissioning of a book written and published by HACEY.
The book was on the effect of HIV/AIDS on the infected and the affected, the
effects of HIV/AIDS on the economy, and the continent. The book review was done
by Dr. L. A. Olatunji, a lecturer in the department of physiology, University
of Ilorin. The book gave in-depth knowledge and statistical values on the
rampage of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The book was recommended by the chairman of
the event, and the medical director, College of 
Education, Hajia S. M.
Belgore, to all students, youths, and the general public.
Also commissioned were the NGO’s website, www.hacey.org, and its newsletter, PATH- Purposeful Actions Towards Health. The website, which was projected to the audience, contains information about the organization, health information, and information on how to contact the organization and programs held by the organization. The newsletter contains articles on the environment and health issues. It also contains quotes, poetry and jokes. A total number of 371 people attended the programme.
HACEY also marked her first anniversary on this day with the cutting of a cake. The chairman, special guest and HACEY executives joined hands in the cutting of the cake. Participants of the event came from all over the nation, from Lagos, Ogun, Kogi, Oyo and Port-Harcourt. Each participant was given a customized package at the point of registration at the venue of the event. The event was covered by the press, reporters from NTA Ilorin and the Herald Newspaper interviewed the chairman and other participants.
The occasion ended on a good note, with the guest expressing their joy that the
youths have stepped up to change the present situation of health and their
environment. Words of encouragement were given and promises of their support of
the organization in future programmes.
|
Members of
the high table at the event |
A
Cross-section of participants at the event |
Dr Olatunji
speaking during the book launch |
|
Dr Olatunji
with students of Queen Elizabeth School, Ilorin |
The chairman
of the event, Prof. Soladoye speaking during the launch of the book |
At the event,
participants were entertained with dance shows |
