Advocacy visits to religious and traditional leaders in Garaku, Kokona
In November 2024 we visited religious and traditional leaders in Garaku, Kokona, Nasarawa State, to discuss stigma, discrimination and access to HIV services.
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In November 2024, Olive Rights to Health Initiative (ORHI) and partner community-based organisations (CBOs) carried out advocacy visits in Kokona, Nasarawa State. The visits were part of the Advancing Capacity and Reducing Vulnerability in Nigeria project, delivered in partnership with Lawyers Alert with support from the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF).
Religious and traditional leaders have strong influence over community attitudes and practices, so engaging them is essential. We met:
- Chief Imam Mailafiya Salihu of Garaku
- Aliyu Ibrahim, the Ardo of Fulani Garaku
- Hakimi Martins Sarki Noel of Garaku, at his palace
In these meetings, we discussed the issues affecting the health and rights of key populations and other underserved groups, including limited awareness of HIV prevention, stigma and discrimination, and abuses. We stressed the importance of human rights and the dignity of every person, and the need for safe spaces for dialogue and action on HIV prevention, care and treatment.
The Hakimi of Garaku welcomed our team, acknowledged these issues and committed to working with us to promote respect for the health and rights of these populations.
We thank the Garaku palace, the community leaders and the wider community for their warm welcome.
