By Obianuju Isima
The Executive Director of the Anambra State AIDS Control Agency (ANSACA), Dr. Nkem Okeke, has urged youth leaders across the state to take active roles in tackling HIV, substance abuse, violence and other social challenges affecting young people.
Dr. Okeke made the call on Nov. 10, while receiving a delegation of youth representatives, including members of the Nigerian Youth Congress, during a stakeholder engagement at the agency.
He commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo, for creating opportunities for youth participation in governance, human capital development and community transformation, noting that the administration recognises young people as active contributors to the state’s development.
According to him, the Governor’s approach demonstrates that youths are not just leaders of tomorrow but important partners in shaping the present and future of Anambra.
“Governor Soludo has demonstrated that young people are not merely beneficiaries of development but critical drivers of the Solution Agenda. We must justify this confidence through responsible leadership, community service and measurable impact,” he said.
The ANSACA boss challenged youth organisations to look beyond political mobilisation and embrace sustained community based campaigns against drug abuse, violence and HIV across the state’s 21 Local Government Areas(LGA).
He stressed the need for youth groups to work closely with government agencies, community structures and development partners to achieve meaningful and lasting results.
Reaffirming ANSACA’s commitment to Governor Soludo’s HIV-Free Anambra Agenda, Dr. Okeke highlighted the state’s 2030 targets of zero new HIV infections, zero AIDS related deaths and zero stigma and discrimination against people living with HIV.
He identified the Ward Action Committees on AIDS (WACA), established across the state’s 326 wards, and the Campus Action Committees on AIDS (CACA) in 27 tertiary institutions as important platforms for youth participation, grassroots mobilisation and HIV prevention.
The Executive Director also disclosed that ANSACA was preparing to host its maiden International HIV Scientific Symposium as part of activities marking World AIDS Day 2026.
The symposium is expected to bring together researchers, policymakers, development partners and other stakeholders to explore evidence based approaches to strengthening HIV prevention, treatment, care and support.
Dr. Okeke encouraged the visiting youth organisations to submit practical proposals and work plans for possible collaboration, assuring them that ANSACA remains open to partnerships capable of delivering measurable impact in communities.
He emphasised that achieving an HIV free Anambra requires collective responsibility, sustained community engagement and active participation from young people.
Obianuju Isima is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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