Makinde approves ₦45m for HIV/AIDS control, inaugurates OYSACA ambassadors

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved ₦45 million for the Oyo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (OYSACA) to intensify the fight against HIV/AIDS across the state.

Speaking through his deputy, Barr. Bayo Lawal, at the OYSACA Conference Room in Agodi, Ibadan, the governor emphasized that the funding, along with the recent approval of HIV test kits, will strengthen the agency’s capacity to curb the spread of the virus.

At the event, prominent figures including Chief (Dr.) Saka Balogun, Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu, Chief (Mrs.) Mutiat Ladoja, Alhaji Rasaq Adeleke, Hon. Wale Saminu, and Hon. Shina Peller were officially inaugurated as OYSACA Ambassadors. Makinde described them as “champions of change” who will use their influence to promote awareness, reduce stigma, and support the state’s health initiatives.

“Our ambassadors are not just representatives. They are voices for the voiceless and catalysts for a more inclusive and compassionate society,”

the governor stated, reaffirming that health remains a central pillar of his administration’s Omituntun 2.0 agenda.

The chairman of OYSACA, Dr. Gbola Adetunji, praised the governor’s proactive approach, noting that the funds would enable the agency to reach high-risk populations and provide life-saving services more effectively. He commended development partners such as Global Fund, APIN, and Society for Family Health for their consistent support.

He said the inauguration of the Ambassadors was a new chapter in the annals of the agency to seek further cooperation between the government and distinguished individuals to enhance the fight against HIV/AIDS in the state.

He appreciated the commissioner for health, all the development partners, Global Fund, APIN, Society for Family Health, and a host of others for their various support for the agency.

The newly inaugurated Ambassadors pledged their support for the initiative, promising to use their platforms to educate, inform, and mobilize communities in the fight against stigma and the spread of the virus”