Access Bank Plc, Total E&P Nigeria Ltd and Shell Petroleum Development Company have called on the private sector to join hands with the Nigerian Business Coalition Against AIDS, NIBUCAA in the fight against the spread of HIV/AIDS in the country.
The organisations gave the call during a dinner party organised by NIBUCAA for business operators to seek collaborations to reduce the prevalence of HIV/AIDS in the country.
“We have to realize that HIV/AIDS is not just a health problem, it is a developmental challenge. Therefore, the private sector cannot afford to be complacent with regards to the scourge,” Herbert Wigwe, group managing director, Access Bank Plc said.
“It is eminently desirable that private sector supports all efforts geared towards the realization of the goal of the multi-sectoral response to HIV pandemic in particular under the Sustainable Development Goals,” Wigwe said.
Wigwe, who is also the co-chair of the board of NIBUCAA said that the scourge of HIV/AIDS still persists in the country with Nigeria having the second largest AIDS numbers globally.
Similarly, Nicolas Terras, managing director of Total E&P Nigeria and also a co-chair of NIBUCAA board, said the fight against HIV/AIDS is too big for the government alone to handle.
Terras stated that captains of industries have collective leadership roles to play in the multi- sectoral response to HIV/AIDS, saying that the scourge is one that must be won at all costs.
He said NIBUCAA, as a platform should be a veritable channel for the private sector to utilize their core competencies and resources towards addressing the issue in the country.
Also, Engr Osagie Okunbor of Shell Petroleum Development Company, said the organisation since its establishment has achieved a lot in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but added that a lot is still needed to be done.
Okunbor urged other companies must come onboard through the NIBUCAA platform to establish and implement workplace and community- based HIV/AIDS prevention and education programmes.
He said NIBUCAA, as a platform should be a veritable channel for the private sector to utilize their core competencies and resources towards addressing the issue of HIV/AIDS prevalence in the country.
Another member of board, Engr Osagie Okunbor of Shell Petroleum Development Company, said the organization since its establishment has achieved a lot in the fight against HIV/AIDS, but added that a lot still needed to be done.
He said that is the more reason why other companies must come onboard NIBUCAA in other to achieve one of its goals of supporting the private sector to establish and implement workplace and community- based HIV/AIDS prevention and education programmes.
Josephine Okojie
