THE UNDP LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ... - UNDP Nigeria

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME 

THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE 

.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME: THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE 

FOREWORD 

This handbook gives an account of the training to promote leaders in the Nigerian society who 

are able to motivate others to action. Over 700 Nigerians have gone through the programme 

and are now able to catalyse action in the fight against HIV/AIDS. 

The Leadership Development Program is aimed at developing the capacity of leaders at all 

levels and in all sectors of the society with focus on the individual, increasing access to correct 

information, taking a stand, and thereafter making a commitment based on convictions, to 

produce results. Through the program, over 20 million people have been reached through the 

109 Break Through Initiatives (BIs) that they formulated during the training sessions. 

The Handbook contains a detailed account of the Breakthrough Initiatives initiated and 

implemented by the first set of trainees in the Leadership Development Program. The trainees 

from diverse backgrounds in different levels of the society were drawn from six states initially– 

(Abia, Bauchi, Cross River, Kano, Kogi, Lagos), and the Federal Capital Territory. 

Going through the book the reader is able to appreciate that the Breakthrough Initiatives 

address all thematic areas of the HIV/AIDS programme and therefore illustrate that the 

Leadership for Results program is an indispensable tool for prevention of the disease which 

will help Nigeria achieve the goal of “halting the spread and reversing the trend of HIV/AIDS 

by 2015” – the Millennium Development goal for HIV/AIDS. Over 700 Nigerians have gone 

through the program and are now able to catalyse action in the fight against HIV/AIDS. 

The Leadership for Results programme is only 18 months old in Nigeria. In its short life span, 

it has, in addressing HIV/AIDS, transformed the way the individual, families and communities 

address the HIV/AIDS issues. It has brought home the realization that if the challenge of 

reversing the spread of HIV/AIDS is to be met, individuals in all walks of life have to play a 

role. The inclusion of PLWHAs in the training put a human face to the epidemic. Skeptics who 

had felt that the disease was “a foreign thing” discovered that AIDS is a reality that requires 

innovative action to address it as they were able to appreciate that everyone falls into one of 

two categories - “infected” or “affected”. 

For the trainees who were not medically inclined, the content of the training brought it home 

forcefully that HIV is a disease that cannot be contracted if there is a choice not to. 

The silence around HIV/AIDS has been broken. Some deep-rooted cultural practices that 

have been identified to promote the spread of the disease have been brought to the front 

burner and addressed so that harmless practices could be adopted. The community leaders 

are at the forefront of this initiative. 

The importance of Voluntary Confidential Counselling and Testing is increasingly appreciated. 

Inadequate information, misinformation, superstitious beliefs had in the past acted 

synergistically to fuel discrimination, stigmatization of PLWHAs and self-stigmatization by the 

PLWHAs. The media groups are achieving results in working on correct reporting language as 

many media institutions have adopted the appropriate reporting language. 

i. 

.


Workplace policies that encourage care and support and discourage stigmatization are being 

put in place. While ensuring that the infected are supported by their employers and 

colleagues, the affected family members are assured of non-discrimination by the society in 

which they live and they can be productive for as long as possible. Not only are the people 

opening up about their status, they are also acting as peer educators using formal and 

informal settings to get the message across about prevention. 

The impact of this program has been far reaching. The initial design for LDP was to address 

HIV/AIDS. The methods used by the graduates in their various communities has impacted on 

the success of one notable public health intervention that suffered a setback in the recent past 

in Bauchi State. The LDP graduates were invited by the Program Manager to assist in 

convincing the community and opinion leaders to accept the program so that increased 

coverage can be achieved. 

The program has received high visibility among the State governors and the political class 

at National and State levels – with the wife of one of the State governors personally 

declaring the first training session closed. 

I wish to thank the LDP Groups for the selfless contribution in fighting the HIV/AIDS pandemic 

and congratulate the NACA and UNDP Nigeria team who have been at the forefront of 

promoting this initiative. The wealth of knowledge imparted to the participants and the 

profound impact of the Breakthrough Initiatives in their local settings encouraged the 

expansion of the program into 4 other states. 

It is my belief that that if this momentum is sustained Nigeria will attain her goal of reversing 

new infections much earlier than envisaged. 

Tegegnework Gettu 

Resident Representative 

UNDP Nigeria. 

. 

ii


States implementing the Leadership Development Programme as April 2005 

Abia 

Bauchi 

Cross River 

Kano 

Kogi 

Lagos 

Federal Capital Territory 

Ondo 

Ogun 

Rivers 

Enugu 

Benue 

AdamawaGombe 

Sokoto 

Kwara 

. 

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THE LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM: STRENGTHENING NIGERIA’s 

RESPONSE TO HIV & AIDS 

Under the Leadership of the National Action Committee on AIDS (NACA), UNDP Nigeria is 

developing leadership competencies to address the multi-faceted, multi-dimensional problems 

posed by HIV & AIDS in the country, and to strengthen National and State-level responses to 

the epidemic. The Programme, known as the Leadership Development Programme, 

recognizes that the answer to these problems lies within us as individuals, within our 

organizations in the way we work, and within our communities – and that through a process of 

transformational leadership, we can unlock the great leadership potential that exists within us. 

The Programme envisages that we can create a future that we desire, and that 

transformational leadership is situational and not positional. 

The programme is designed to bring forth the inherent passion and commitment of the 

participants, revealing to them how to express their own commitment in ways that the people 

around them are motivated to action. They learn to be catalysts for cooperation and 

collaboration in the projects and organizations that they are already part of. This way 

programmes already underway become more effective and existing resources are better 

utilized. The main outcome of the programme is the participants themselves, and the major 

impact of the programme is that that these people become effective leaders for social change 

wherever they go. 

In addition to enhancing the leadership capacity of the participants, the programme is 

designed so that there are measurable results that happen during the 9 months that they are 

engaged in learning. As part of their learning process, the participants form “Breakthrough 

Initiative Teams” of 5 to 20 people from diverse backgrounds and interests who share a 

commitment to make a difference in a specific social issue related to HIV & AIDS. Each team 

designs a “Breakthrough Initiative” that is visionary, leverages existing resources and is not 

“business as usual”. The specific targets and activities left too the team to determine, based 

on their own commitment to make a difference. 

These teams are not given any money to fund their activities. The local coaches who head the 

teams are the only ones to receive any funding. They receive less than $200 to defray the 

costs of meeting, transportation, communication and other expenses related to facilitating the 

group communication and motivation. (It is often assumed that if major funding is not provided 

that nothing will happen). What actually happens is that the participants often choose to 

provide their own seed funding and then seek help from the community around them. While 

the BI’s are not seen as the primary product of the programme (remember that leaders 

themselves are the major benefit to the HIV response in Nigeria), the results produced in the 9 

months justify the effort and expense of conducting the programme. 

Working with Participants of the Programme 

from my state, a group of resourceful, 

available and capable individuals has been 

created, and this has enhanced our 

community advocacy interventions on 

HIV/AIDS in Cross Rivers – Her Excellency , 

Ist Lady Mrs Onari Duke, -Chair Action 

Committee on AIDS 

. 

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Number of People Reached 

Number of people reached 

Youths 

Religious leaders 

Women 

Political leaders 

Journalists 

Youth 15,400 

Religious leaders 1000 

Women 10,000 

Political leaders 800 

Journalists 150 

The fact is that while not every team is wildly successful, in the aggregate, the teams produce 

outcomes that far exceed what could be achieved through a funding grant. In addition the 

participants get a huge positive reinforcement of their own capacities to make things happen, 

so that in many cases the projects continue after the official end of the programme, impacting 

on the lives of people in their communities. Collectively the Breakthrough Initiatives have 

reached over 20 million Nigerians in 18 months of implementation of the programme 

Women in the fight against HIV & AIDS 

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States covered as at April 2005 include Abia, Bauchi, Cross River, FCT, Kogi, Kano and 

Lagos States. The states were strategically selected by NACA and UNDP, as they are 

representative of the varying levels of prevalence of HIV in country across the six geo-political 

zones. The range of the prevalence of HIV in the selected states vary from 3.7% in Abia to 

12.0% in Cross River States, each presenting figures below and above the National average 

of 5.0% 

NACA also places high emphasis on leadership as a component of its National Strategic Plan. 

Due recognition is given to the fact that while there is great knowledge regarding HIV and 

AIDS, prevention remains the key to successful management and reduction of the spread of 

HIV and AIDS. 

Type of Media Used For Sensitization 

Type of Media for Sensitization 

Radio spots 

TV spots 

Television Spots 5 

Radio Spots 16 

The Programme currently involves 750 participants representing NGOs, CSOs, CBOs, the 

Media, Government, religious leaders, and people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) from the 

six Geo-political zones and the FCT, with equal representation of women and men. 

As reflected above, the transformational Leadership development programme takes 

participants through a 9-month process consisting of 3 sessions of intensive workshops and 

on-going action learning. Each session lasts for 3-4 days in a given location, and currently the 

locations are Ota and Kaduna for participants from the Southern and Northern States 

respectively. Participants from the FCT are split into the 2 programmes with one half going to 

either location. 

The sessions started in September 2004 and continued through August 2005 In between 

workshop sessions, participants develop and implement Breakthrough Initiatives to 

address HIV & AIDS. The initiatives are conceived and strengthened during the sessions. 

The Breakthrough Initiatives developed by the various groups during the first, second and 

third training sessions were analysed. A total of 65 initiatives were worked upon by all the 

groups of which 33% were proposed after the first session training 

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ANALYSIS OF BREAKTHROUGH INITIATIVES BY STATE – APRIL 2005 

STATE 

PLWHA 

/OVC 

ADVOC 

ACY 

CONDO 

M 

DISTRI 

BUTION 

VCT 

WORKP 

LACE 

POLICIE 

PMTCT 

LEGISL 

ATION 

MICROB 

ICIDE 

PROMO 

MEDIA 

TOTAL 

ABIA 2 4 - 1 1 - - - 1 9 

CROSS/RIVER 3 4 - 1 - - 2 - 1 11 

LAGOS - 4 - - - 1 - 1 1 7 

BAUCHI 1 4 1 - - - - - 1 7 

KANO 1 4 - 1 - - - - 1 7 

KOGI 2 4 - 2 - - - - 1 9 

FCT 2 6 - 3 2 - 1 - 1 15 

TOTAL 11 30 1 8 3 1 3 1 7 65 

Analysis of the Initiatives showed that: 

• 29 (44.6%) focused on advocacy/sensitization 

• 10 (15.4%) focused on PLWHAs/PABA/OVC 

• 7 (10.8%) focused on VCCT 

• 8 (12.3%) focused on the Media 

• 3 (4.6%) dealt with legislation 

• 5 (7.7%) dealt with workplace policies to combat stigma, discrimination, and 

providing assistance with medical bills 

• 1 (1.5%) for Condom Distribution 

• 1 (1.5%) for PMTCT 

•1 (1.5%) for promotion of research into HIV Vaccine and local herbs for the treatment of 

opportunistic infections 

UNDP has assisted us in developing a new 

set of leaders in the fight against HIV & AIDS 

Prof Babatunde Osotimehin - Chairman 

NACA. 

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DISTRIBUTION OF BREAKTHROUGH 

INITIATIVES BY AREA OF FOCUS 

50% 

40% 

30% 

20% 

10% 

0% 

Series2 

PLWHA 

ADVOCACY 

CONDOM D 

VCCT 

WORKPLAC 

E 

PMTCT 

LEGISLATIO 

N 

MICROBICID 

E 

MEDIA 

The following summarizes the thematic areas where break through initiatives have yielded 

positive results and illustrates some of the BIs and their results. As stated earlier very little 

resources were invested in this programme and yet significant outreach and impact was 

recorded - based on reports of participants. An estimated number of 20,000,000 people have 

so far been reached through the BIs. This shows the cost effectiveness of the programme. 

The extent to which LDP leaders have so far been appreciated for their contribution to the 

fight against HIV/AIDS is reflected in the awards and scholarships received over the period of 

implementation. In total 23 participants received awards, invitations or scholarship. 

NIGERIA’S LDP AT A GLANCE 

3 Leadership Development Programmes 

• September 2004 

• December 2004 

• March 2005 

• May 2005 

• July 2005 

• Sept. 2005 

750 Participants. 

• 50% Women 

• 5% People living with HIV 

109Breakthrough Initiatives 

• Abia State- 8 Ondo – 4 Kwara 4 

• Cross River-19 Ogun - 4 

• Lagos- 4 Rivers - 6 

• Bauchi-12 Enugu - 6 

• Kano- 3 Adamawa- 6 

• Kogi- 7 Gombe - 6 

• FCT-8 Sokoto - 6 

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Advocacy and Sensitization 

To ensure participation of various stakeholders in achieving the goal of the LDP programme 

the groups put a number of advocacy and sensitization strategies in place. This approach was 

very effective in getting religious, community and government leaders committed and involved 

in the fight against the HIV & AIDS pandemic and yielded 

Responses from the various agencies as summarized below: 

1. The First Lady, Her Excellency Mrs Stella Obasanjo, invited the Kogi State 

Government to nominate two (2) children orphaned by HIV & AIDS for scholarship. 

A participant at the 1st LDP training headed the committee set up by the 

government to nominate the potential beneficiaries. In the course of the 

implementation of one of the Breakthrough Initiatives – an aggressive sensitization 

campaign in the communities, he came to know many orphans and vulnerable 

children. His committee was able to take a quick decision on the would-be 

beneficiaries, as the criteria used to select the nominees did not meet with any 

opposition. 

2. In Bauchi State, the Governor approved the release of N10 million as a take off 

grant for the State SACA. 

In addition, the wife of the Governor led the advocacy team to the twenty (20) Local 

Government Areas in the state on need to put in place measures to combat the 

disease 

3. In Kogi State, the Governor issued a directive that all ministries and local 

governments should allocate at least 2-5% of their budget for HIV & AIDS control 

and prevention 

4. The Chairman of Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia state gave a 

commitment to provide VCCT services in the Local Government Area; he also 

promised to commit resources into the PLWHA support group that was formed 

5. In Abia State, the Head of Service issued a circular to all ministries that all staff 

should be educated on HIV & AIDS 

6. The Media bosses in Kogi State and Cross River States have allowed all 

messages on HIV & AIDS to be aired or printed free of charge. 

7. The Bill establishing NACA is enjoying enhanced movement in the National 

Assembly due to the participation in the leadership training of some federal 

legislators who were part of the government group from FCT Abuja. 

8. The traditional institution in Cross River State has taken ownership of the program 

and is driving the sensitization process at the community level. 

9. By the end of the third session 8 religious committees were established across 6 

states. 

PLWHA/PABA/OVC 

1. For the first time and as a result of the Bis, support groups for PLWHAs were formed in 

Kogi State and in one local government in Abia State (Umuahia North) and in Bwari area 

council of the FCT. 

Home Based Care - some participants of the LDP also trained the relations of some PLWHA 

in Bauchi on home-based care. 

7 

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2. A member of the Initiative group made an anonymous donation of a scholarship for 

university education to an HIV & AIDS orphan. 

Condom Distribution 

The government group in Bauchi State after sensitization of the civil servants approached the 

Society for Family Health (SFH) and were given packets of condoms for distribution. This was 

carried out in a discreet way – the packets of condoms were left in the toilets and were refilled 

when they got exhausted. 

VCCT 

A group in the FCT worked with another agency (Center for Right to Health) to make VCCT 

services available in the communities in Bwari where sensitization campaigns were being 

carried out. Out of 45 members who volunteered for VCCT, 3 tested positive 2 females and 

one male. Six (6) other persons who had known their HIV status before the campaign openly 

declared their status and joined the three to constitute the first support group in the 

community. 

Media 

1. The journalists in the FCT media group have worked on “correct reporting language for HIV 

& AIDS” as a means of reducing stigma and discrimination. A total of 300 journalists have 

been sensitized, leaflets have been produced and the leaflets are in high demand by the 

general public. Reporting on HIV & AIDS has improved since. 

2. Radio Kogi started a Radio phone in program "HIV & AIDS and You" The first program 

featured a PLWHA. This has helped to disseminate correct information about the disease, 

break the silence and encouraged PLWHAs to come out for counselling and assistance. 

3. NTA Lokoja, Kogi State has started preparation for the airing of a program “Not the end of 

the Road” as a way of informing the people about HIV & AIDS 

8 

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4. The two State Newspapers of Kogi State “Graphic newspapers” and “Kogi Today 

Magazine” has invited the Initiative group to regularly send materials and messages for 

publishing to enlighten the masses about HIV & AIDS 

5. In Cross River State, all information about HIV & AIDS is aired free of charge on the State 

Radio and Television and also printed free of charge in the State owned newspapers. 

Workplace Policies 

In Abia State, discrimination against PLWHA in some highly patronised private hospitals has 

been eliminated while notices have been put up in the hospital that staff should treat them with 

love and affection. The hospital has also started giving admission to those who need them – 

something they were not doing before the Initiative group paid advocacy visits to them. 

Microbicide Promotion/ PMTCT for Traditional Birth Attendants. 

In Lagos State, an Initiative group has started working on promoting some local remedies that 

have been used by the Traditional Medical Practitioners to treat opportunistic infections while 

another group has trained about 250 traditional birth attendants on PMTCT issues, since 

about 70% of the population of Lagos state use their services. 

“The collective and individual actions of the 40 participants trained at the Federal 

Level, and the 87 trained at the state level is bringing up a new set of opportunities and 

competencies never witnessed before in the state. I am very grateful to the UNDP, 

hereby urge them to come up with more of this people–oriented, community based 

programmes to help address the multifarious problems of HIV & AIDS in Bauchi State, 

as we set out to be a primary tourist destination in Nigeria” 

– His Excellency, Gov. Adamu of Bauchi State 

9 

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SAMPLE BREAKTHROUGH INITIATIVES 

Ganuwa Group- Kano (NGOs, CBOs, FBOs, PLWHs, Traditional Institutions) 

Project objective 

1. To increase awareness on HIV & AIDS 

2. To reduce stigma and discrimination 

Activities 

Advocacy and Sensitization visits were undertaken to the 12 exco –members of the 

market, “Yankaba market”, women and youth groups in ECWA Church, Airport Road, 

Kano, CAN Chairman (Bishop of the Methodist Church, Kano). 500 people were reached 

during sensitization at Yankaba market, 251 women were reached with sensitization 

messages at ECWA Church, 321 youths were reached in ECWA Church Hausa section, 

50 males were reached during an advocacy visit to ECWA Kano, 500 students – males 

and females were reached during sensitization and commemoration of World AIDS Day in 

Bayero University Kano, 100 petty traders at the vegetable market were reached with 

messages on denial and stigmatization. 

The Community conversations programme was launched in Kumbotso. In addition, IEC 

materials like T-shirts, key holders, and handbills with inscriptions “ZIP-UP” were 

distributed. 

Achievements 

• The group succeeded in getting the members of the State House of Assembly to 

attend sessions on Advocacy and sensitization against discrimination and 

stigmatization. The Speaker of the State House of assembly promised to see that the 

SACA becomes an autonomous agency. 

• The wife of the state Governor pledged to take care of orphans and vulnerable children 

to mark the Women’s day 2005 while Murtala Mohammed Hospital agreed to rename 

the HIV Center as a Blood Screening center. 

• Religious leaders became more involved in issues of HIV as evidenced by CAN 

Bishop addressing issues on HIV & AIDS from the pulpit. 

• The local coach for the Ganuwa group in Kano received a National Award (MFR) for 

her work among the PLWHA and she also got the Women’s Farmer’s Award, while 

another member was made acting supervisor for health care in Katsina state after the 

sensitization in ECWA Church. 

• 10 people from the church came to the Society for Women and AIDS in Nigeria VCCT 

center after the sessions and four new members joined the support group while some 

positive inmates of the Prisons were linked up with two (2) Support groups for care and 

support. 

• Three (3) Sex Workers resigned from the trade after hearing repeated sensitization on 

issues of HIV & AIDS and the fact that four of their colleagues tested positive. Potential 

Peer health educators were identified among the Sex Workers (SW) and members of 

NURTW (National Union of Road Transport Workers) 

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• The four Breakthrough Initiative teams in Kano State got together to carry out the 

phone-in programs on State Radio and Television. All the teams also had their 

activities covered by the Media group. Radio Kano aired a half hour discussion on HIV 

& AIDS in Hausa. Freedom Radio aired a one-hour live phone-in program for “Voice of 

the Hopeful’ – a support group while Triumph newspaper published features free of 

charge. 

Wikki Group – Bauchi, NGOs 

Project objectives 

1. To increase the awareness of policy makers, opinion leaders and all stakeholders in 

addressing HIV & AIDS issues 

2. To reduce stigmatization and discrimination of PLWHAs 

3. To provide Care and Support to PLWHAs 

4. To strengthen the connections between individual Initiatives, groups, organization and 

ministries to create synergies in the response to HIV & AIDS 

5. To learn and practice new competencies that allow for the generation of effective 

actions 

Activities 

Sensitization sessions were carried out for policy makers and other staff of the Ministry of 

Women Affairs, 100 Uniformed men, secondary school students and four villages; namely 

Mararraban Liman Katagum, Siyi village in Ganjuwa LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, 

Buzaye village in Bauchi LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, Muda Lawan market, Kasuwar 

and Kaji Bauchi. The village activities were supported by Miyatti Allah (Cattle rearers), an 

Islamic group and Society for Family Health, Bauchi. IEC materials and condoms were 

distributed during those sessions 

Five (5) people living with HIV are presently undergoing three months training at 

MAHEMA sewing and knitting centre. Plans are in place to provide a seed grant and 

sewing /knitting machines by the Poverty Alleviation program once they complete their 

training so they can generate income and be self reliant 

The group advocated for and pushed for a Bill on the Rights of PLWHAs in the workplace 

as well as provision of ARVs and CD4 count tests for positive persons needing such 

services 

11 

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Achievements 

• There has been increase in the support of policy makers, opinion leaders and 

stakeholders in the fight against HIV & AIDS since the project commenced. This is noticed 

in the draft Bill before parliament on the Rights of people living with HIV & AIDS in the 

workplace 

• 2.5 million people were reached through the Mass media with information on HIV & AIDS 

while 1,300 have been reached and sensitized on the activities carried out in collaboration 

with Cattle Rearers and Society for Family Health. In addition, condoms are now available 

in the Ministry of Health a situation previously unheard of in the predominantly Islamic 

community. 

• A number of Anti-AIDS clubs have been set up in schools, HIV/AIDS education has been 

integrated into Scouting activities and agricultural Extension Programs thereby reaching 

the grassroots. 

• Provision of essential symptomatic drugs and ARV at a subsidized rate of N600 per month 

to those registered for the program as well as availing of CD4 count reagents, which 

reduce the hardship of PLWHAs who hitherto had to travel 2 ½ hours to the nearest center 

to access the service. In addition, PLWHAs are now being empowered through skills 

acquisition and micro credit loans. 

• 50 Traditional Birth Attendants have been sensitized and trained and now use universal 

precautions. 

Future activities 

To continue with sensitization activities, capacity building of stakeholders in rural areas and 

advocacy for care and support of positive people. The group will also work to include a page 

on HIV & AIDS activities on the Bauchi State Website. In addition the group will seek for 

registration as an NGO on HIV & AIDS issues to ensure continuity 

12 

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OVERCOMERS’ Group- Abia (NGOs, PLWH) 


To break down the existing Stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV & AIDS 

and break the silence prevalent in the community through Advocacy 

Activities 

Advocacy visits were carried out to Parastatals, Local Government Areas, Communities, and 

Politicians. Notable among these are advocacy to the Honourable members representing 

Ikwuano and Umuahia Constituency, advocacy to the Chairman of Ikwuano lLocal 

government Area, advocacy to the Chairman Umuahia South Local Government Area and 6 

Private Hospitals. 

In addition to delivering at a town meeting a health talk, which centered on discrimination, 

Church women and Youth groups were also sensitized. The risk of parent-to-child 

communication was emphasized. This is to ensure accurate information is given to children 

before they engage in sexual activities. A phone-in programme that will give the youth an 

opportunity to ask for more information was also held in collaboration with the media. 

Achievements 

• There was increased commitment by the staff of Health institutions to improve 

treatment of PLWHAs. For example the EL-Shaddai Hospital changed its 

discriminatory policies regarding PLWH and clients that require admission are no 

longer sent away. 

• The Umuahia South Local Government Area is working with the State SACA on the 

establishment of a VCCT. 

• There is behaviour change towards PLWH; the stigmatization and discrimination is 

reducing. 

• There were donations of three (3) sewing machines to train People Affected by HIV & 

AIDS (PABAS) on Life skills while three PLWH have started training as dressmakers. 

In a related development some Donors have promised to give soft loans to PLWH who 

want to start trading while proper means of recovery of the loan is being negotiated. 

Future plans 

Group members will be given training on counselling to enable them to give immediate help in 

the form of counselling to people needing such services. 

UNITY GROUP, FCT 


1. To generate effective response in order to stop the spread of HIV & AIDS 

2. To reduce stigma and discrimination using community discussions 

13 

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Activities 

Activities included advocacy visits to the FCT HIV & AIDS Project team, the FCT National 

Youth Service (NYSC) Director, the Chairman FCT Council of Traditional Rulers, 

Chairmen Kwali and Kuje Area Councils and the Rector, Abuja Polytechnic. Other people 

visited included the gatekeepers of Bwari Area Council (Esu of Bwari and the Secretary of 

Bwari Area Council). The community leaders of Kabusa, Gwagwalada, Kuje, Kwali and 

Abaji were also visited. 

Expanded meetings were also held with elders, women leaders, youth leaders and 

leaders of organized groups in Kabusa, Kuje and Abuja Polytechnic. 

Sensitization rallies were held in Abuja Polytechnic, Kabusa community, and Kuje. A twoday 

training on HIV & AIDS Leadership Response for the HIV & AIDS Response Team of 

Abuja Polytechnic (comprising of 40 students and 2 lecturers) was also conducted. 

The team also provided Mobile antenatal and adolescent health clinics. 

Achievements 

• 800 people were sensitized in Abuja Polytechnic, 500 people were sensitized 

in Kabusa community while 700 people were sensitized in Kuje community. 

• The people now agree that the problems of HIV & AIDS calls for urgent and 

multi level action. 

• The team secured the commitment of the community leaders of the various 

communities visited to join in the fight against HIV & AIDS 

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• 28 community members, including the community leader have constituted 

themselves into the Kabusa HIV & AIDS Response team. 40 students and 2 

lecturers of Abuja Polytechnic have indicated their interest in forming the HIV & 

AIDS Response Team and an HIV & AIDS Response Team has been 

established in Kuje 

• 72 people came for VCCT from Kabusa; 7 tested HIV +positive and have been 

linked to a support group in Durumi “Organization for Positive Productivity”, 88 

people from the Polytechnic came for VCCT; 9 tested HIV +positive while 98 

people from Kuje came for VCCT; 8 tested HIV +positive. Those who tested 

positive have agreed to form a support group in their localities. 

• 8 Community Discussion groups on HIV & AIDS were inaugurated in Bwari 

and FCT; Imams now lead discussion groups in their localities. 

• BI Team registered with FACA and the Corporate Affairs Commission to 

enable team to access funding for activities. 

Future plans 

1. To hold expanded meetings with the elders in Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada and the 

University of Abuja 

2. To inaugurate the HIV & AIDS Response team of Abuja Polytechnic 

3. To inaugurate the HIV & AIDS Response team in Kuje 

GARU HIV & AIDS BI – Kano, FAITH BASED GROUP 


1. To advocate for and support the participation of religious and traditional leaders in 

Advocacy on HIV & AIDS 

2. To increase HIV & AIDS awareness and response in all the local governments in the 

state 

3. To reduce discrimination and stigmatization against PLWHA 

Activities 

Advocacy visits were conducted to over 200 religious and traditional leaders in all the 20 

local governments in the state while sensitization workshops were held for 100 

stakeholders. Meetings were also held with selected Religious /Traditional leaders and 

businessmen to solicit for support for PLWHA. 

15 

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Achievements 

• More understanding and awareness on issues of HIV & AIDS was created amongst 

religious leaders 

• Faith Based Organization and Breakthrough Initiative sub groups, were established in 

16 of the 20 Local Government Areas of the State. The groups have proved to be 

powerful advocacy groups to the extent that one of the groups was invited by the 

government to assist in the advocacy on the “POLIO Initiative”. The Wife of the State 

Governor spearheaded the advocacy to the Local governments. 

• More people were co-opted into the team to ensure that all activities planned are 

carried out successfully and objectives were met. This has ensured a good foundation 

for networking on HIV & AIDS response in the state 

• Using leadership skills, the group was able to collaborate with other partners e.g. SFH, 

UNICEF & VISION. IEC materials designed by VISION were used during advocacy 

and sensitization 

• The meeting with Media Executives accorded the group a concession of free airing of 

all its programs on HIV & AIDS. 

These LDP sessions have taught 

me a lot about humility and 

religious tolerance Prior to this 

training, I had not met the Chief 

Imam of Bauchi Central Mosque in 

person and as a Christian I had no 

need to see him. I only see him on 

television. But seeing him here, I 

am amazed at his level of humility 

and tolerance. He has completely 

changed my perception of Muslims, 

leaving an indelible mark in my 

mind. 

- A Christian Participant from 

Bauchi State on Benefits of the 

LDP 

Moslem and Christian Religious leaders facing the challenge 

16 

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NEHEMIAH Group- Abia (Giving Hope- NGOs, Youth groups) 


1. To reduce stigma, discrimination and Silence prevalent in the community through 

advocacy 

2. To give voice to People Living with HIV & AIDS 

Activities 

Following the first stage of the leadership training, advocacy and/or sensitization visits were 

made to six (6) Private Hospitals (Divine Medical Center, Zenith Group of Hospital, Obioma 

Hospital. Chukwu Ebuka Hospital, El-Shaddai Hospitals, 12 churches (including Presbyterian 

churches and St Paul’s Anglican Church, Avonkwu). A One-day training workshop for 36 staff 

of six private health facilities was also held. 

Other activities undertaken include a sensitization meeting on February 14 th , St Valentine’s 

Day. This activity was done in collaboration with Save the Youths Club in Aba. The topic of the 

lecture given is “Assertiveness” & “ABC of Life Skill and Behaviour change activities. 

Achievements 

• Sensitization of 64 youths using faith based institutions. 

• 70 parents sensitized and one “Parent-child Communication’ group formed. 

• The PLWHs needing Care and Support were referred to Society for Family Health. 

• A Support Group/Association was formed to help PLWHs to access ARVs 

• Working visits were made to 7 Local Government Areas (Ikwuano, Umuahia North, 

Umuahia South, Isiala Ngwa). 

• Collaboration initiated with a sister BI, Overcomer’s Group. 

• Reduction of discrimination and Stigmatization in 7 Local Government Areas. 

Future Plans 

To enter other communities through the influence of His Royal Majesty Eze Ikonne, 

Chairman Council of Ndi Eze, Abia State 

Media Initiatives against HIV & AIDS, Nigeria (A coalition of Media initiatives from 

Rivers, Ondo, Ogun and Enugu states) 


1. To increase awareness on HIV & AIDS using media 

2. To contribute in reducing the spread of HIV & AIDS through informed media packages 

17 

.


Activities 

In River State advocacy visits were carried out to the Commissioner for Information, 

Chairperson Association of Wives of Local Government Chairmen, River State News 

Corporation (publishers of the Tide) and AIT. In Ondo state the team visited the General 

Manager NTA Akure and the General Manager OSRC Akure. Similarly the group paid an 

advocacy visit to the Director of the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) and the 

Executive Director Programmes NTA, Mr. Peter Igho. 

In Enugu state the team paid an advocacy visit to ESBS- (Star TV) and Daily Star 

Newspaper, while in Ogun State an advocacy visit was made to four paramount rulers; 

Alake of Egbaland, Awujale of Ijebuland, Akarigbo of Remoland and Olu of Yewa land. 

Team members initiated special reports and features on HIV & AIDS in respective states. 

The group was also able to secure space on weekly talk shows and on a current affairs 

programme on Federal Radio Corporation FRCN (radio Nigeria), NTA Akure, Enugu 

Broadcasting Services, and Gateway Radio AM & GTV Abeokuta in Ogun state 

Achievements 

• News coverage on HIV related issues increased as a result of the project. Ondo State 

Radio Vision Corporation which comprises the Television and Radio Channels (FM & 

AM), the NTA Akure, the Enugu Broadcasting services, FRCN Enugu and Gateway 

Radio Abeoukuta no longer charge for news coverage on HIV & AIDS related issues 

• By the end of the start of the LDP session, a participatory programme tagged ‘what to 

do to avoid HIV’ was introduced on FRCN Enugu, while a 30 minutes weekly 

programme titled ‘About AIDS’ and a current affairs programme were introduced. In 

addition an NTA program, AM Express, constantly discuss on HIV & AIDS. 

• Various programmes on HIV have also been introduced in local languages notable 

among which are the Yoruba drama ‘Abule Onigunmarun’ running on Paramount FM 

Radio Nigeria Ogun state. Jingles in Hausa (3 slots daily) are now run on Radio 

Kaduna in collaboration with other initiatives 

• A Leadership training was organized for wives of Local Government Chairmen in 

Rivers State which led to a second training organized by the wife of Emohuan Local 

Government on 3 rd November 2005 

• As a result of this initiative, National Broadcasting Corporation directed member 

stations to give priority to covering HIV & AIDS programmes and issues without 

charging fees. 

• Funding was received from the an Embassy to support Kaduna jingles while 

sponsorship of a phone-in programme on Radio Nigeria Kaduna Hausa service to run 

for two quarters has been secured. This programme will feature mainly medical 

practitioners. 

Future plans 

• Media Initiative Against HIV & AIDS to transform into an NGO to ensure sustainability 

of actions in all states of the federation 

18 

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ART & MEDIA Group - Cross River State 


To curb the spread of HIV & AIDS in Cross River State by creating and/or increasing 

awareness using Arts and Media as a strategy 

Activities 

The group paid advocacy and sensitization visits to the Media houses, beach market 

women, churches and educational institutions (secondary and tertiary). A T-shirt with the 

inscription “Flush AIDS out of Cross River state” was produced to raise the profile of these 

activities. A booklet entitled “JUST THIS ONCE” was produced and given out as prizes to 

students who participated in debates etc. Handbills and other IEC materials were used 

during such visits. 

A drama entitled “Whispers of Love” was produced and staged at the Theatre Arts Dept of 

the University of Calabar while a 13 – episode drama of 15 minutes, with an adaptation for 

the radio, was produced and aired on the Television. The drama, which had a campus 

setting, was aimed at highlighting the consequences of high-risk behaviour among youths. 

In the meantime a radio programme titled ‘Radio Counsellor’ has commenced. This 

programme is aimed at sensitizing the general populace on the issues of HIV & AIDS 

To measure the impact of these activities a phone-in programme has also been introduced 

Achievements 

• Over 2 million people were reached with information on HIV & AIDS prevention 

and control activities 

• Production of 500 copies of “JUST THIS ONCE”, a booklet containing short 

stories on HIV & AIDS for Secondary and University students. These are given 

out as prizes and souvenirs to students that participate in Quiz and Debates 

19 

.


• Production of 15 – minute television drama entitled “The Next Generation“ 

running from April 7 th 2005 and to last for 13 weeks; in addition twelve TV 

Programs (Eight discussion programs and 4 phone–in programs) were 

produced. 

• Articles aimed at reducing Stigma, Discrimination and promoting Care and 

Support were published in the State owned newspaper, “The Nigerian 

Chronicle”. All activities were implemented with very minimal resource, and 

such resources came mainly from members. 

Future plans 

1. Plans are at an advanced stage to register as an NGO to enable funds to be accessed 

for sustainability of programme. 

2. Group plans to continue activities beyond current phase. 

REDEMPTION SQUAD (Art & Media Group)- Abia State 


This Initiative was aimed at using the mass media to sensitize a wide audience on HIV & AIDS 

in the community including youths, government officials and market women. 

Activities 

Different approaches were used to achieve the desired objective, depending on the target 

audience. The group had meetings with and addressed several groups, including youth at 

Winners Chapel, Women at a women’s convention and the NUJ Chairman. Similarly, 

advocacy visits were made to 17 Secondary Schools and traditional leaders in Umuahia 

North Local Government Authority. 

Also sensitization meetings were held with the staff of the National Orientation Agency, 

students of the Abia State University and the media practitioners. Apart from carrying out 

interviews with the media, a slogan was adopted on “Care and Support“ for PLWH. This is 

being aired in between and after the News in the Electronic Media. 

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME: THE NIGERIAN EXPERIENCE 20 

.


Achievements 

Within the period that the initiative was conducted a number of peer educators were trained, 

over 2,000 students in the State tertiary institutions and 2000 women and 100 youth in faith 

based institutions were reached with information on HIV /AIDS prevention and control. In 

addition, traditional leaders and staff of National orientation Agency were sensitized while the 

capacity of media practitioners on appropriate use of language for reporting on HIV & AIDS 

was enhanced. For example words such as ‘Cliché’, that is sickness that ends in the grave, 

are no longer used to describe HIV & AIDS It is now called “Virus ‘. 

Future plans 

The group plans to continue the sensitization activities in all state institutions and train Peer 

health Educators to continue the work it has started. 

MEDIA GROUP – Kogi State 


1. To create awareness on HIV & AIDS pandemic 

2. Reduce stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV 

Activities 

Conducted advocacy visits to the Management and staff of the State Broadcasting 

Corporation, NTA and KOGI State Graphic Newspapers. During these visits the media 

was urged to transmit positive messages that will discourage stigma and discrimination. 

In addition, the group sponsored the participation of three Positive people from Abuja in a 

radio-phone in program to reduce discrimination and stigmatization and also carried out 

sensitization for health personnel 

21 

.


Achievements 

The group was able to secure approval for a program “HIV & AIDS and You” to be aired on 

the State Radio weekly and “Not the end of the Road” to be aired on NTA, Lokoja. The two 

State newspapers- “Graphic Newspaper” and “Kogi. 

• Today Magazine” mandated the group to send write-ups on HIV & AIDS that 

could enlighten the public. They waved the publication fee. 

• In addition the Media group produced a radio jingle, and was able to get an HIV 

positive couple and their three children to come for a phone-in program. This 

has helped put a human face to the fight against HIV & AIDS as well as 

encourage openness. 

• Following to the advocacy visit of the team, the Ministry of Information, through 

the State House of Assembly, has earmarked N20 million for HIV & AIDS 

activities in the 2005 budget. 

• Letters have been sent to all private and Public health facilities to ensure that 

all HIV + patients are sent to the support groups as the laboratory scientists 

have not gone through training on VCCT and ARVs are neither available nor 

affordable. The Governor donated a large sum of money to a positive patient 

who was suffering from malnutrition; the girl is now back- in school. 

• A building has been secured for SACA and it is now an autonomous Unit 

headed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Economic Planning. 

Local coalition – “ACTION INITIATIVE ” Group – Lagos State 

22 

.



To reduce stigma and discrimination of People living with HIV & AIDS through targeted public 

enlightenment programs and legislation. 

Activities 

Targeted advocacy visits to legislators of the National House Committee on Health in 

Abuja and the executives of ISPAN (Internet Service Providers Association of Nigeria). 

Conducted awareness/sensitization seminars to five (5) schools and one PTA meeting. 

Achievements 

• The group has successfully sensitized members of ISPAN and this has led to 

collaboration with owners of CYBER Cafés to put an end to pornography browsing in 

their shops. 

• The group printed stickers (with HIV & AIDS messages) for Cyber Café owners to stick 

on their computers to ban pornography. (A number of Notices were put up in Cyber 

Cafés warning against browsing for pornographic materials) 

• ISPAN promised to have messages put on Internet to warn against pornography 

• A meeting was held with members of NACA and National Assembly to put issues of 

HIV anti- discrimination and stigmatisation into a Bill 

• Globacom, a Mobile Telecommunications Company has agreed to sponsor the groups 

programmes 

• A secretariat has been established for the group. It is hoped will help secure funding 

for future activities. 

Future Activities 

“Walk for Peace” – designed to discover and invent ways to change attitudes and 

assumptions that perpetuate stigma, denial and silence; enhance effective qualities in the 

lives of individuals and acquire new skills and qualities to bear on HIV & AIDS, thus giving rise 

to creativity, innovation, commitment to quality, team effectiveness, open and honest 

communication and achievements results. 

23 

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THE UNDP LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT ... - UNDP Nigeria

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