On September 14th, we launched the AYP Incubation hub in Delta State as part of our ECEWS Sustainable Program for HIV Epidemic Control and Equitable Service Delivery (SPEED) Project mandate to prevent the transmission of HIV and other diseases. This hub focuses on empowering 10-14-year-old adolescents mentally, socially, and technically. The launch brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from various ministries, community development groups, and the ECEWS senior management team. Comrade Lucky Agbedim, representing the Ika South LGA Chairman, lauded the ECEWS SPEED team for this remarkable initiative.
ECEWS CEO, Dr. Andy Eyo, in his opening address, appreciated the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for their overwhelming support and expressed excitement about the launch, which will serve as a means for young people to acquire knowledge and skills. Dr. Eyitayo Folorunsho (CDC representative), who gave the keynote address on behalf of the CDC Country Director, Dr. Mary Boy'd, praised ECEWS for pioneering the great feat and stressed the need for the community to utilize the facility for adolescent empowerment. In his keynote address, he expressed the importance of investing in young people, promoting dialogue, understanding culture, advancing human rights, and accessing good health for all.
Goodwill messages were taken by key stakeholders, including Mrs. Grace Sifo, on behalf of Delta State Agencies for the Control of Aids (SACA), who urged members of the community to maximize this opportunity. Mr. Shadrack, on behalf of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Community and Social Development, appreciated the efforts and noted the importance of community ownership. Dr Michael Emeshili, the representative of the Ministry of Education, commended the initiative and emphasized the importance of skill development.
The launch was carried out by the Commissioner of Women Affairs, Delta State, ably represented by the OVC Desk Officer, Mr. Shadrack Azemohor. During a tour of the Hub, stakeholders appreciated the facilities provided to empower adolescents and young people. Mrs. Akamagwuna Uche, Director of the Sexual Unit, expressed her joy at the establishment of the AYP hub and the partnership with the Ministry of Justice. She highlighted the importance of attention to Gender-Based Violence (GBV)-related issues identified through the hub and noted the necessity of a safe house for survivors of GBV to stay while prosecution is ongoing. The Patron, Elder Effam Peter, expressed his readiness to support the AYP and make it a success in the Local Government Area. Dr Efifie Uchechukwu, the ECEWS SPEED State Project Manager, analyzed the services to be provided in the HUB, which include technical skill development, recreational activities, preventive, and entrepreneur services based on feedback from adolescents. Master Nwanchukwu, a representative of the adolescents, appreciated ECEWS and the US-CDC for the opportunity and promised to ensure adolescents and young people make maximal use of this rare opportunity.