Wavemakers Honours Stakeholders as Five-Year Program Supporting Marginalised Population Completes first Circle in Kaduna

By Uangbaoje Alex, Kaduna

In a heartfelt gesture of gratitude, Wavemakers Initiative for Health and Youth Empowerment at the weekend presented certificates of recognition and participation to key stakeholders who contributed to the success of its five-year landmark initiative, the “Free to Be Me” program funded by HIVOS Foundation in Kaduna State.

The “Free to Be Me” program, officially completed it’s first cycle with a final monthly focus group discussion, marking the end of an impactful journey dedicated to fostering inclusion, dignity, and access to healthcare for Nigeria’s most marginalised populations — particularly sexual minorities.

Speaking at the event, Chief Benneth Ikeokwu, Executive Director of Wavemakers Initiative, lauded the unwavering support of stakeholders who stood by the organisation throughout the program’s lifespan.

“These last five years have not been easy, but with the collective effort of our partners, we’ve made meaningful progress in addressing stigma, discrimination, and human rights violations.

“Special appreciation goes to Kaduna State AIDS Control Agency (KADSACA), the National Human Rights Commission (Kaduna Directorate), the Nigeria Legal Aid Council, the Nigeria Police Force (Kaduna Command), traditional and religious leaders, families of vulnerable persons, the media, and many others.”

EMPOWERING THE MARGINALISED, CHALLENGING THE STATUS QUO

The Free to Be Me program was established to improve the wellbeing of marginalised and vulnerable persons — especially sexual minorities — by enhancing access to healthcare, economic opportunities, and social inclusion. Over its five-year duration, the program empowered key populations to live authentically and participate in national development without fear of exclusion or violence.

Chief Ikeokwu explained that the initiative addressed critical gaps in the healthcare system and raised public awareness of the challenges faced by sexual minorities and other key populations, particularly around access to HIV prevention and treatment.

“Awareness was created around the barriers these communities face in accessing healthcare,” he noted. “We developed human rights allies, educated communities to end mob actions, and ran mass sensitisation campaigns through television and radio.”

A PUBLIC HEALTH CRISIS ON THE BRINK

The closure of key donor-funded health services in Nigeria, including the One-Stop-Shop (OSS) Health Facility, has created what Chief Ikeokwu describes as a looming public health crisis.

“The sudden halting of services — including HIV testing and antiretroviral treatment — is already affecting millions. People on ARVs are at risk of complications. Children are among those whose lives hang in the balance,” he said.

The organisation warned that community-based organisations can no longer sustain operations, as salaries have gone unpaid and mental health challenges are rising due to widespread fear, depression, and uncertainty.

“We call on the government to take proactive steps to reduce dependence on foreign donors and begin to prioritise funding for health and human rights programs,” Chief Ikeokwu urged.

ADDRESSING IGNORANCE AND INJUSTICE

The Wavemakers Initiative stressed that many abuses against key populations are rooted in ignorance and misinformation. The justice system, Chief Ikeokwu noted, has often been unkind to sexual minorities, contributing to a rise in mob violence and gender-based abuse.

“Society takes laws into its own hands due to ignorance. That’s why our program focused on advocacy, education, and capacity-building — not just for the communities themselves, but also for their families and community leaders,” he said.

A CALL TO ACTION

As the curtain falls on this transformative program, the Wavemakers Initiative reaffirmed its commitment to continue advocating for an inclusive Nigeria — where everyone, regardless of identity or orientation, enjoys equal rights and access to opportunities.

The organisation called on both state and federal governments to honour the legacy of Free to Be Me by institutionalising policies that protect the rights and dignity of all Nigerians.

STAKEHOLDERS RESPONSE

The stakeholders which in their responses expressed their satisfaction with the program while promising to work to consolidate and achieve more in the next cycle.