NOA Reveals 1.2% of Nigerians Living with HIV/AIDS

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) has disclosed that 1.2% of Nigeria’s total population is living with HIV/AIDS.

This statistic was revealed by the Director General of NOA, Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu, during the launch of nationwide sensitization campaigns held in Ibadan on Tuesday.

The campaigns focused on several key issues, including World HIV Day, security awareness, discouraging the “get-rich-quick” syndrome, World Human Rights Day, and the Tax Reform Bill.

Need for Intensive HIV/AIDS Campaigns

Expressing concern over the spread of HIV/AIDS, the Director General emphasized the urgency of concerted efforts to curb the virus’s spread.

Represented by the Director of Health and Social Care, Dr. Ayoola Olufemi, he commended the Tinubu-led administration’s contributions to HIV prevention initiatives.

“The Agency is providing free and accessible counseling services nationwide and is partnering with local and international organizations to combat stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV/AIDS,” Dr. Olufemi stated.

He further urged Nigerians to leverage available services and practice responsible health behaviors to support those affected by the disease, noting that collective action is essential to winning the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Tax Reform Key to Socio-Economic Growth

In a related development, Malam Issa-Onilu highlighted the significance of tax reform for Nigeria’s socio-economic progress.

Praising the Tinubu administration’s tax reform initiatives, he noted that taxation is critical for funding national development but acknowledged citizens’ concerns about multiple taxation and its impact on low-income earners.

“The reforms are designed to ease the burden on hardworking Nigerians while ensuring everyone contributes fairly,” he said.

Benefits of the Tax Reforms

The Director General outlined the advantages of the reform, including:

• Elimination of double taxation.
• Support for low-income earners.
• Simplified and transparent tax processes.
• Tangible development outcomes from taxes collected.

“By supporting this effort, we can create a tax system that works for all and funds the development projects that will improve our nation,” Issa-Onilu added.

The NOA reiterated its commitment to educating Nigerians on key societal issues while fostering partnerships to achieve its goals for national development.