Students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, gathered in large numbers on Thursday, November 14th at the SUB Car Park for an impactful health awareness event titled “Healthy Beats: The Rhythm of Responsibility.”
The initiative was spearheaded by the Campus Health Rights Initiatives (CHRI), in collaboration with YouthHub Africa and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), to promote the established Youth Friendly Center on campus.
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The Youth Friendly Center, cited beside Ecobank at the Students’ Union Building Car Park, was set up by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) to implement its health programs on campus. The center offers free and confidential HIV testing, reproductive health counseling, and a range of other student support services.
According to Aleji Christianah Folasewa, CHRI Coordinator, the center serves as a “Safe Haven” for students to access professional health guidance in a confidential setting.
‘The Youth Friendly Center provides not only free HIV testing but also professional counseling on reproductive health matters. We want students to feel comfortable utilizing these services,’ Folasewa stated in her welcome address.
A booth was set up at the event to offer free HIV testing to attendees, encouraging them to know their status without worry.
The event was structured to convey health messages in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere. It featured live musical performances by students from the Music Department, spoken word poetry by renowned artistes, Ogunwale Matthew, Giwa Asia Adedoyin and Miracle, as well as interactive games and giveaways.
The vibrant blend of entertainment and health education was designed to draw in students and reduce the apprehension often associated with HIV testing and health discussions.
Mrs. Agbaje, a staff member at the Youth Friendly Center, elaborated on the center’s services in an exclusive interview. ‘The center was established by NACA to provide free HIV counseling and testing to students.’
‘Beyond that, we support students with services like course registration, a quiet space for study, recreational games, and more. We operate from 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday,’ she said.
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In a conversation with ACJOAU correspondent, Makinde Oluwapelumi, a student who decided to undergo HIV testing for the first time at the event shared his experience, ‘It felt just like testing for malaria or typhoid. I wanted to explore and know my status.’
The organizers emphasized the importance of regular health check-ups and personal responsibility for well-being, stated in the event’s theme, “Healthy Beat: The Rhythm of Responsibility.” The overarching message was to encourage students to be proactive about their health, with the maxim that health is indeed wealth.
As the event concluded, CHRI and its partners expressed optimism that the Youth Friendly Center will continue to serve as a vital resource for the student community, fostering a culture of health awareness and responsible living on campus.