Ibrahim Mori Baba, postmaster general of the federation has said that the Nigerian Postal Service (Nipost), the nation’s national career in postal matters will partner with National Agency for the Control of AIDS (Naca) and other relevant agencies to combat the dreaded monster called HIV/AIDS and to reduce it to the barest minimum.
As Nigeria has been picked as one of the countries selected by the Universal Postal Union to pilot the affairs of the campaign against the spread of the disease, Nipost will use the opportunity to campaign vigorously to ensure that the battle is won.
Mori Baba stated this on the occasion of this year’s World Post Day celebration held at the Sheraton Hotel Abuja, last Friday. The postmaster general explained that the post-world is celebrating its 135th anniversary of the union which was established in 1874 and was charged with the responsibility of unifying and controlling the postal communication sector globally.
He said that this year’s celebration was unique in the sense that it presented a two-way campaign for a decent health devoid of HIV and AIDS and a protected environment that ensures green growth.
In his remark, Aliyu Iqra, the honourable minister of state for information and communications said the action represents a milestone because this is the first time the Post in Nigeria is getting actively involved in the fight against the HIV/AIDS scourge. He said that the management’s decision was motivated by the need to promote productivity consciousness among its workforce and improve their general standard of living.
He further stated that the human society has been battling the disease for which no known cure has been identified. He said that despite concerted efforts made by governments and corporate bodies to curb the menace, yet the statistics of the disease remain staggering and frightening. The current data on HIV reveals that 33 million people are living with the disease. Out of this number, 67% live in Africa while 700,000 of the 33 million live in Europe.
The minister said Nigeria’s selection as a partner in the global campaign was based on the fact that the country has demonstrated dynamism and commitment to reduce the spread of the pandemic. He said the post in Nigeria is deploying its vast network and workforce to embark on a massive campaign against HIV/AIDS. According to him, if the current efforts are sustained, Nigeria would certainly witness a new era of progress and sustainable development.
Prof. John Idoko , director general of Naca promised the cooperation of his agency to Nipost and to give it all the support and the guide in creating awareness about the disease to the society.
World Post Day is celebrated each year on 9 October, the anniversary of the establishment of the Universal Postal Union in 1874 in the Swiss Capital, Bern. It was declared World Post Day by the UPU Congress held in Tokyo, Japan in 1969. Since then, countries across the world participate annually in the celebrations. The Posts in many countries use the event to introduce or promote new postal products and services.
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