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Tag: sexuality

  • FG, AHF advocate strengthening comprehensive sexuality education 

    FG, AHF advocate strengthening comprehensive sexuality education 

    The Federal Government, AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) Nigeria, and others have advocated for strengthening of Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE) to enhance health outcomes and protection from Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and violence.

    They made the call at an event organised by AHF Nigeria to commemorate the 2024 International Day of the African Child (IDAC) on Thursday in Abuja.

    Kemi Gbadamosi, Director of Policy, Advocacy and Marketing, AHF Africa Bureau, said CSE will address the increasing new infection rates of HIV, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancies amongst youths.

    “We are looking at fostering education and health through CSE and the reason is because as a HIV/AIDS organisation, we see that there are new infection rates amongst young people every week.

    “For example we get 4,000 HIV new infection globally amongst young people age 15 to 24. and Africa takes the biggest chunk of that.

    “And part of the reason we see this spike in infection rates amongst young people is lack of access to the right information, sexual reproductive health services, information and tools like CSE.

    “Research tells us that access to age appropriate CSE helps to reduce HIV infections, teenage pregnancies, delay when young people begin to have sex and reduce. Cases of Gender Based Violence (GBV) and promote gender equality.”

    Gbadamosi, explained that the organisation engages parents and youths on the benefits of CSE, which contravene popular opinions that it promotes promiscuity.

    “Contrary to popular opinions, alot of parents, leaders say CSE promote promiscuity but research tells us that when young people have access to age appropriate CSE, it stops the from being promiscuous.

    ” It protects them, builds their self esteem and are able to make better decisions and more informed choices.

    “And also to recognise when issues of violence and sexual harassment is about to happen so that they can protect themselves.

    “We have always got a pushback from parents, community leaders because they believe that whenever you say sexuality education, you are talking about sex.

    “That is why engagement such as this also requires parents in the discussion to know the benefits.

    “We also need to tell them what the data is showing us on HIV infection rates, young people getting pregnant, more Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) cases.

    “And if we do not address the information, skill and knowledge gap,then we cannot make any progress.”

    Also, AHF Nigeria Country Programme Director, Dr Echey Ijezie, said: “it is important to discuss CSE because research has shown that CSEs improve health outcomes, empower youths and adolescents.

    “So that they can make informed choices and not contract HIV and other STIs, as well as reducing the risks of unwanted pregnancies.”

    Mrs Mariam Shu’aibu, Assistant Director, Child Development, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, said: “issues on child marriage, HIV are issues that the ministry is advocating against and we are ready to collaborate with AHF to deliver your programmes in the FCT and other states.”

    Mrs Okhilua Maria, Director, Monitory and Evaluation, representing the Secretary FCT Education Board, also reiterated their commitment towards promoting health outcome and reduce STI amongst youths.

    Njideka Ogbuke, Assistant Director, Education Support Department, Federal Ministry of Information, said: “considering there are lots of information on the Internet.

    “But when you equip a young person with what is right, even when faced with wrong information, pornography and others, but the fact that the young mind has already been formed based on the information he or she has acquired, they will find it repulsive.

    “And know that it affects their mindset and derail their paths.”

    Mrs Maria Okhilua, Director, Monitory and Evaluation, representing the Secretary, FCT Education Board, noted that youths may access wrong information on social media, hence the need to educate them with the appropriate information.

    “The first sets of people you need to talk to are the teachers, policy makers, the supervisory bodies if these things must get to the schools and make headway.

    “Then, we begin to see how we can structure these information for understanding so that it is not destructive.”

    Miss Isabel Anani, Stand with Girl Initiative and UNICEF Young Influencer, said: “Young people should never feel the need to be peer pressured to do something.

    “Because it is a reoccurring trend when you see things happen, you want to follow the crowd.

    “But you have to sit back and think, how will affect your future. There is a need to have inner dialogue and evaluate your priority,” she said.

  • The trouble with sexuality

    For a week in April, a selected group of six journalists and five lawyers participated in the 2019 edition of the Bisi Alimi Foundation (BAF) Media and Justice Fellowship held at a hotel on Victoria Island, Lagos. The fellowship is in its third year. UK-based gay rights activist Alimi is Nigeria’s most visible homosexual, and BAF is a vehicle to “accelerate social acceptance of LGBT people in Nigeria.” LGBT stands for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender.

    A participant said: “The fellowship had sessions involving Bisi Alimi himself, who shared his story of being gay and HIV positive; and two lawyers – a British lawyer who talked about the struggles of being an LGBT person in the UK and a Sri Lankan lawyer who talked about how India decriminalised gay rights. It also examined how the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act in Nigeria was passed by former President Goodluck Jonathan as a political tool to satisfy the masses.”

    According to the foundation, “The Media and Justice Fellowship is an initiative designed to train and support Nigerian journalists to report on LGBT issues in a balanced and fair way.”  The organisation campaigns for “the rights and dignity of LGBT people in Nigeria.”

    BAF is faced with daunting challenges because LGBT people in Nigeria are viewed unfavourably.  The disapproving, if not hostile, reaction to LGBT people in Nigeria is symbolised by the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Bill 2013, signed into law by former President Goodluck Jonathan.  According to the law, which criminalised homosexuality, anyone in a same-sex marriage or union could face up to 14 years in prison. Also, it is illegal for anyone to operate or participate in gay clubs, societies and organisations, or to officiate, witness, abet or aid the solemnisation of same-sex marriage, which attracts a 10-year jail term. In addition, such gay partnerships concretised overseas are considered invalid in Nigeria.  The law states that “Only a marriage contract between a man and a woman shall be recognised in Nigeria.”

    Nigeria’s LGBT community has not known peace since the law came into effect. A report described what happened when the police raided a gay club:  ”In July 2017, at club Owode in Lagos, 70 men and boys were arrested by police. The area had been on alert after a spate of violence. According to Daniel Okoye, a paralegal helping LGBTQ people in Nigeria, the police saw the arrests as an easy way of extorting money. ”In the majority of these cases the police extort funds from them, knowing that any court case will out their sexuality,” says Okoye. “For most of them, their single wish is to pay and get out, and the police use it against them.”

    Blackmail, prejudice and persecution have forced members of the LGBT community to go underground, and even flee the country.  The point is that the anti-gay law hasn’t succeeded in preventing people of homosexual orientation from expressing their sexuality because they cannot behave otherwise. Central to the issue is the nature of homosexual desire in human beings. Is it biologically driven or socially acquired? Interestingly, there is reported evidence of homosexual behaviour in certain animals, including mammals, birds and fish. According to modern research, homosexuality relates to all sexual behaviour between animals of the same sex, that is to say, “copulation, genital stimulation, mating games and sexual display behaviour.” It is curious that there is a greater focus on males than females in this matter, for lesbians have relationships too.

    However, it is noteworthy that lesbians and gays are not the only victims of social intolerance in Nigeria. Bisexuals also suffer for their sexual orientation. A case in point is the experience of one Osaze Osayande, a Nigerian who was forced to leave the country because of his bisexuality. He was a member of a secret gay/bisexual group in Lagos. In December 2016, members of the group got information that the police had declared them wanted.  The following month, the police raided their rendezvous, the residence of one Samson Ndem. Osayande, who was living at Ndem’s place with some other members at the time, managed to escape arrest. He took refuge in the home of his cousin, who was also bisexual.

    At this point, Osayande experienced a higher level of stigmatisation. His parents disowned him, his family and friends rejected him. He became depressed.  He nearly lost his life in an incident; he was mobbed by antagonists because of his bisexuality. Then he took the decision to leave Nigeria in May 2017, for personal safety reasons. Lesbians, gays and bisexuals caught in the act attract mob justice in Nigeria. Two months after his exit, the police raided Ndem’s residence again and arrested several LGBT people.

    Osayande’s story shows that being LGBT is a huge burden in Nigeria. It is noteworthy that a 2017 survey indicated that the acceptance rate of lesbians, gays and bisexuals among Nigerians was on the rise. The survey, conducted by NOIPolls, an organisation for country specific polling services in West Africa, was commissioned by The Initiative for Equal Rights (TIERs), a non-profit organisation working to protect the rights of sexual minorities.

    The Social Perception Survey on Lesbian, Gays and Bisexual Rights report indicated a rise in family acceptance from 11 per cent in 2015 to 13 per cent in 2017. A 2015 survey conducted by NOIPolls had showed that a majority of adult Nigerians, 87 per cent, supported the anti-gay law. The 2013 survey had showed that 92 per cent supported the bill.

    According to NOIPoll’s 2017 findings, 39 per cent of Nigerians said LGBT people should be allowed to have access to public services, a 9 per cent increase from 30 per cent of respondents in 2015. The report highlighted the finding that 17 per cent of respondents answered in the affirmative when asked if they knew someone who was lesbian, gay or bisexual- a family member, friend, or someone within their locality. Participants in the survey were selected from the country’s six geo-political zones through a proportionate stratified random sample design. The survey method involved a random nationwide sampling of 2,000 respondents whose views were obtained through telephone interviews.

    In the final analysis, LGBT rights are still intensely controversial in the country, and LGBT people have no peace of mind. The trouble with sexuality in Nigeria is that the heterosexual imagination doesn’t accommodate the possibility of other orientations.

  • British singer Michael dies at 53

    British singer Michael dies at 53

    British singer George Michael, who became one of the pop idols of the 1980s with Wham! and then forged a career as a successful solo artist with sometimes sexually provocative lyrics, died at his home in England on Sunday. He was 53.

    In the mid-1980s, “Wham! was one of the most successful pop duos ever, ahead even of Simon & Garfunkel, with singles like “”Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go”, “”Careless Whisper”, ““Last Christmas” and ““The Edge of Heaven”.

    “It is with great sadness that we can confirm our beloved son, brother and friend George passed away peacefully at home over the Christmas period,” his publicist said in a statement.

    “The family would ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult and emotional time. There will be no further comment at this stage,” the statement said.

    British police said Michael’s death was “unexplained but not suspicious.”

    Born Georgios Kyriacos Panayiotou June 25, 1963 in London to Greek Cypriot immigrant parents in a flat above a north London laundrette, Michael once played music on the London underground train system before finding fame with Wham!.

    With a school friend, Andrew Ridgeley, he formed Wham! in 1981, a partnership that would produce some of the most memorable pop songs and dance-floor favorites of the 1980s.

    “I am in deep shock,” said Elton John. “I have lost a beloved friend – the kindest, most generous soul and a brilliant artist. My heart goes out to his family and all of his fans. @GeorgeMichael #RIP.”

    British singer George Michael performs on stage during his ‘Symphonica’ tour concert in Vienna September 4, 2012.

    The duo had their first hit with their second release ““Young Guns (Go For It)” (1982) before their debut release “”Wham Rap” became a hit the following year. The 1984 album “Make It Big” was a huge success in the United States.

    ““No way could I have done it without Andrew,” Michael once said.

    “I can’t think of anybody who would have been so perfect in allowing something which started out as a very naive, joint ambition, to become what was still a huge double act but what was really…mine.”

    But Michael was keen to reach beyond Wham!’s teenage audience and to experiment with other genres. Wham! announced their split in 1986.

    A pilot solo single “”I Want Your Sex” was banned by daytime radio stations but was one of his biggest hits.

    “I want your sex, I want you, I want your sex,” he sang. “So why don’t you just let me go, I’d really like to try, Oh I’d really love to know, When you tell me you’re gonna regret it, Then I tell you that I love you but you still say no!”

    In the space of the next five years, Michael had six U.S. Number One hit singles including ““Faith”, ““Father Figure”, ““One More Try”, ““Praying For Time” and a duet with Aretha Franklin ““I Knew You Were Waiting For Me”.

    Questions about his sexuality were raised when he was arrested in 1998 for “engaging in a lewd act” in a public restroom of the Will Rogers Memorial Park in Beverly Hills, California.

    “I feel stupid and reckless and weak for letting my sexuality be exposed that way,” Michael told CNN at the time. “But I do not feel shame [about my sexuality], neither do I think I should.” (Reuters/NAN)

  • Artist makes case for sexuality, women

    Artist makes case for sexuality, women

    What does female sexuality mean?  In an age where sexuality and violence against women are   raising concerns, banker-turned-artist Victor Mba has added his voice to the issues.

    He is set to stir up conversations on womanhood, women’s rights and sexuality through his art.

    For the artist, art is his medium of advocacy. Womanhood, according to the women’s right advocate, is “God’s greatest gifted to humanity that should nurtured and celebrated”.

    His debut solo exhibition, tagged: In The Beginning will be exploring the three subjects.

    The exhibition will openat Didi Museum on Saturday, February 13 and run till Friday, February 17.

    Mba does relief paintings and sculptures. He uses unconventional styles, methods and materials to create two-three dimensional sculptural or paint pieces on a flat surface to advocate his ideas.

    “Women are a gift to mankind. I have chosen to use art to explore these very important subject matters. I hope to stir up conversations around each, looking at the role and significance of each. Mine is a departure from the nude style of expressing sexuality. In an age where sexuality is an issue with growing concern, I am using my art to explore the notion of sexuality. Many are confused and do not even know where they belong,” according to Mba.

    Since 2011, Mba has featured his works at the Society for Nigerian Artists’ yearly exhibition tagged: October Rain when he became member.

    He said: “I like my works taunting the thoughts of viewers. One minute, you think you are seeing something and with a closer look it’s something else. Depending on what I’m trying to achieve, I use anything: sand, dust or cloth.”

    The exhibition is powered by Amarch Consultants. “Mba’s pieces force you to think deep about what preoccupation they expressed. His passion is infectious. We want to have a taste his talent. Supporting his dream meant the world would be blessed by his gift,”  Amarch Consultants Principal Partner, Mr Obehi Iyamabo, he said.

     

  • I believe IN MY sexuality –Mama Ajasco

    I believe IN MY sexuality –Mama Ajasco

    Plus size actress, Moji Oyetayo, has been playing the comic character of Mama Ajasco for some time. Apart from being an actress, she is also a voice-over artiste, and PRO of Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN), Lagos State Chapter. In this interview with DUPE AYINLA-OLASUNKANMI, the mother of one speaks on the challenges of being plus size, her journey in the industry, among other issues.

    HOW did you get into the movie world?

    I was the artiste manager for the Next Movie Star Housemate. I came into the industry as the manager to the Digital Interactive Media (DIM), organizers of the Next Movie Star Reality T.V Show. Prior to that, I was an entertainment photographer, and covered red carpet events. I was a freelancer with Ovation magazine. When the Next Movie Star finished its contest, we did a soap opera content for them known as Dormitory ‘8’ (D8). I started acting from there.

    Actually, I was behind the camera as usual when the director was trying to tell one of them to do something, and the person did not do well. I just came in and said, this is not what they said you should do, and the director was surprised at my comment, and he told me to take over the girl’s role.

    That was how I started. Immediately after that, I went into a reality TV show, the 12 ambassadors of Nollywood. It was produced by Paul Obazele. And that launched me officially into TV, in 2006.

    How challenging has it been with your size?

    By the grace of God, I have being able to make a stand. Everything in life has its advantages, and disadvantages. For a plus size in the industry, getting roles on a regular basis is kind of restricted. They want slim, and fair complexioned people. But in my own case, I have a face that you can play with. So I have positioned my body to producers and directors, that there is no character that I cannot play.

    So what I go for is table casting, I position my expression to the character they want me to play. And once they see that, they are okay with it. And the industry has also improved in terms of make-up; they can make you young, old, ugly, slim, it all depends on what the producer wants to bring out. Basically for me, it is all about expression. I have played different roles, and I have been big in all of them. With confidence, you can convince the audience, which is what matters. I am comfortable with my stature, and I’ve been able to use it to my advantage.

    Are you saying your stature has not been a barrier?

    There is no audition that I go to that I don’t get a role. Because once I walk in, they will know that Mo has come. So it is either you have something for me, or you don’t. Once you see me, you will know what you want to do with my face. I don’t have to wait in the crowd for my turn. I have created my own space, and work from it.

    You are very comfortable with anything you wear.

    I am a very flexible woman. And I believe in my sexuality. I walk on the street and into any room, everybody keeps staring. Why does this keep happening? Because I am bold, beautiful, and extremely confident. I carry myself very well. So what I do is to dress according to my body size. When I am on the red carpet, I put on my lovely dress, and I get compliments. And when I am going to the office, I wear my pants and shirt. And when I am hanging out with friends, I wear my leggings and body hug. I wear anything that looks attractive. A plus size has to know what fits her body type. I see people smile at me when I walk down the street, and I feel beautiful, and smile back. I am not intimidated. I compeer, and I see the way people look at me, when I open my mouth and start talking on stage. But I just make sure, that what I wear is not expensive to the eye as an African woman.

    Are you saying it is not a factor hindering you from getting marriage proposals?

    My problem is I don’t even know who to choose from, (Laughs). African men like plus sized women. I don’t need any distractions for now. I have been married, and I am divorced. So I need to concentrate on my career. I have a beautiful daughter, who I am married to for now. And I am the Public Relations Officer of AGN, which is a big position. Also my NGO focuses on positively changing the mindset of youths.

    Tell us about the Foundation?

    It is called Mohips foundation. It aims to teach secondary school students, not to succumb to peer-pressure, by engaging in different immoralities. So our motto is ‘Say No to Drugs’. Most times, we go to secondary schools, with motivational speakers, to let them know that education is the only way, and to help them remain focused. It is not a personal thing that has to do with my background. But a passion that I have for counseling, I have also discovered that I flow easily with youths. I have siblings, whose friends are more comfortable relating with me. I just felt it was better using my talents for something that would impact the lives of youngsters.

    Are you into film production too?

    Not really, because everybody want to produce. But I am planning a talk show which is where I believe my energy lies. It will be for counseling. I might produce too, but it is not my number one priority.

    How do you create time for your daughter?

    Amazingly, that is the strength of a woman. An African woman excels in everything she does. We were brought up to be strong, to be able to withstand any situation. I don’t have any challenges with my daughter, because we have a beautiful relationship. She knows I am at her beck and call. And we talk about everything; she understands the nature of my job. And she is surrounded by loved ones; my family.

    How did you come about the Mama Ajasco role, which has made you famous?

    I had worked with the production manager of Wale Adenuga Productions in the past. I was called that they were to cast for a new Mama Ajasco, when the old Mama Ajasco (of blessed memory) passed on. I was the youngest of the actresses at the audition. I can decide to act younger or older.

    The earlier actresses who played Mama Ajasco used to speak ‘pidgin’ English, but for me, I studied English at the Lagos State University, and have accent when I speak, so I have challenges speaking Pidgin English. The chairman, Wale Adenuga cancelled it, and I introduced proper English into the role. Mama Ajasco’s role is an elderly role that has been on TV for a while, and I didn’t want to copy past characters. I just did my own thing by trying to be original.

    And after that, I have played different characters, from grandmother, to school girl and others. I practically choose my characters, because I don’t like to be stereotyped. And most times, I get away with my characters.

    You’ve been busy these days. How have you been coping?

    The Lord has been faithful. I have been getting loads of jobs these days. Slow and steady they say wins the race, but I am getting it fast, and I am certainly winning the race. I have been getting feedback from producers and marketers. I have done lots of soaps, and movies, and I have broken the jinx because I was involved in a Yoruba epic. When I got to location, I told them to please manage my Yoruba language. When I heard ‘action’, I did not believe what I spoke. I really did so well, and from that particular location I got three other scripts. So, I am grateful to God for his faithfulness.

     

  • ‘You can regain your sexuality as you age’

    ‘You can regain your sexuality as you age’

    Managing Director, Sylken Limited, Mr Uche Nwang, representative of Nature’s Field, makers of Adam and Eve’s Desire, answers the question on sexuality. Seaduck Nigeria Limited, Health Coach  Sam Ayeni tackles the one on the immune system.

    I must first decry the culture of silence around the problem in Nigeria. Data from the researches by Nature’s Field suggests that 43 percent of women and 31 percent of men report some degree of sexual dysfunction, yet it is a topic many people especially women are hesitant or embarrassed to discuss.

    Sexual problems occur in adults of all ages but in women many factors can contribute to low libido, including a lack of desire, including hormonal changes, medical conditions and treatments, depression, pregnancy, stress, and fatigue. Boredom with regular sexual routines also may contribute to a lack of enthusiasm for sex, as can lifestyle factors, such as careers and the care of children. Menopausal transition is considered the most difficult time for a woman to remain sexually active. In addition to the hot flashes and fatigue, vaginal dryness and loss of libido often interfere with sexual function.

    Eve’s Desire is a unique targeted blend of vitamins and standardised extracts, supporting the mechanisms that promote healthy sexual function and libido in women. Benefits that can be derived from Eve’s Desire include: Enhancing libido and sexual appetite in women; regulates hormonal levels in women; improves vaginal dryness in women and helps restore their sexual desire; helps the body to react in positive ways to sexual stimulation; increases strength and improves sexual performance.

    It also alleviates stress and increases mental alertness; improves sexual response in women; helps maintain temperature and support in bone health; supports healthy thyroid function, raise energy levels, endurance, limb power, strength and agility and improves nutrient bioavailability, boosts digestion and nutrient absorption.