AIDS Healthcare Foundation urges African leaders to prioritize social investment over debt servicing
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation Nigeria has called on African leaders to address debt injustice, which it states diverts crucial resources from healthcare, education, and youth development. In a statement released on Tuesday to mark the Day of the African Child 2026, the foundation emphasized that Africa's young population cannot thrive when governments are compelled to prioritize debt servicing over social investments. AHF highlighted that the aspirations of young people for healthy, educated, and prosperous futures are hindered when nations must choose debt payments over investments in healthcare, education, and social protection. The organization noted the interconnected needs of young people, including HIV prevention, youth-friendly health services, quality education, gender equality, protection from violence, and economic empowerment. AHF's "Freedom from Debt" campaign advocates for reforms that prioritize "people before profit" to create fiscal space for youth investment. The foundation stressed that freedom from unsustainable debt would lead to more young people staying in school, accessing quality healthcare, and contributing to society. AHF also mentioned its youth-focused programs, Girls Act and Boys2Men, which aim to build leadership, improve health literacy, advance sexual and reproductive health rights, and create safe advocacy spaces. The Day of the African Child, observed annually on June 16, commemorates the 1976 Soweto Uprising. AHF stated that 50 years later,
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
Stakeholders from both public and private sectors are set to convene in Lagos next month for the 2026 Nigeria ESG Sustainability Summit. Organized by ESG Impact Consulting Ltd, the event will take place on July 3, 2026, at the Lagos Oriental Hotel. The summit, themed “Beyond Greening: Strategies for a Sustainable World,” aims to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance principles into institutions and move beyond symbolic environmental efforts. Organizers state that the summit will provide a platform for dialogue and knowledge sharing, focusing on accelerating ESG adoption and sustainable development across key economic sectors, especially as Nigeria faces climate, economic, and governance challenges. The event seeks to mainstream ESG in corporate organizations, financial institutions, and government agencies, while mobilizing sustainable finance through green bonds, carbon markets, and impact investing. Additional objectives include strengthening policy alignment, enhancing technical capacity, and promoting social equity. Desmond Esorougwue, Chief Executive Officer of ESG Impact Consulting, highlighted that the summit will feature the Nigeria ESG Exhibition and Promotion 2026, showcasing organizations driving sustainable solutions, and will host the National Sustainability Achievements Awards 2026 to recognize leadership in responsible business and environmental protection. The summit is expected to gather policymakers, investors, business leaders, development partner
Serah Yusuf, the Maltina Teacher of the Year 2025, has launched the Sustainable Education and Empowerment through Digital SEED Foundation in Abuja. The foundation aims to transform slum communities through education, digital literacy, mentorship, leadership development, and empowerment programs. Yusuf, who won the N10m grand prize in November 2025, has advocated for underprivileged children through her "Voice from the Slum" Initiative, providing financial aid, textbooks, school fees, uniforms, and sanitary pads. The SEED Foundation seeks to expand access to learning opportunities for children in disadvantaged communities, helping them thrive and fulfill their potential. Yusuf also launched her educational book, "Practical English Made Easy for Nigerian Students: Integrating Digital Tools for JSS 1–SSS 3," and honored young creative writers. A fully funded scholarship was presented to Ayodele Grate, and digital devices were provided to Noko Modester and Uche Destiny, who won a debate and quiz competition after digital literacy training. Yusuf acknowledged the Nigerian Breweries–Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund and others for their support, emphasizing her commitment to nurturing talent in underserved communities.
Must ReadWomen Empowerment and Legal Aid WELA has requested a comprehensive audit of funds allocated to the Safe Schools Initiative, citing concerns about its effectiveness over a decade after its launch. Funmi Falana SAN, Chairperson of WELA, highlighted recurring attacks on schools and student abductions, stating that Nigerians deserve an account of how school security funds have been utilized. The Safe Schools Initiative, established in 2014 by the Federal Government, private sector, and international partners following the Chibok abductions, aimed to enhance school security and ensure access to education in conflict-prone areas. Despite initial funding of $20 million and a projected N144.86 billion for the National Plan on Financing Safe Schools 2023–2026, WELA noted that schoolchildren remain vulnerable. Public reports indicate over 1,680 schoolchildren kidnapped and about 180 educational facilities attacked since 2014. WELA urged the Federal Government to provide a public account of the initiative's total committed funds, disbursements, benefiting schools, and measurable reductions in attacks. Separately, Dr. Bisi Akin-Alabi, Lead Resource at Safe Schools Lagos, proposed deploying solar-powered panic alarm systems and a Unified National School Safety Code. Speaking at the Renewed Hope Global Town Hall Virtual Conference, Akin-Alabi, a former Special Adviser on Education, Science and Technology in Oyo State, emphasized a shift from fragmented responses to a unified national frame