Venue: Elite Tranquil Hotels, Offa Road, Ilorin, Kwara State

NEPWHAN, under the Global Fund GC7 N-THRIP Project, conducted a three-day capacity-building workshop for 20 identified Adolescent Girls and Young Women (AGYW) champions in Kwara State. The training is part of NEPWHAN’s mandate to strengthen HIV prevention, increase demand for HIV testing, and empower AGYW through digital advocacy and community engagement.

AGYW remain disproportionately affected by HIV due to social, economic, and structural vulnerabilities. To address these barriers, NEPWHAN is equipping young women with the knowledge and digital tools needed to promote HIV awareness, challenge stigma, and link their peers to adolescent-friendly health services.

Training Overview

The workshop focused on enhancing participants’ abilities to use social media as a platform for HIV education, demand creation, and positive behavior change. Facilitated by NEPWHAN’s Advocacy and Communication Specialist, Mr. Christian Ikpe, and the AGYW Specialist, Dr. Ofem Obeten, the sessions combined HIV literacy, digital content creation, community engagement, and practical skills for online advocacy.

Day 1 – HIV Literacy & Digital Skills

Participants were introduced to HIV prevention strategies, demand-creation concepts, and the role of social media in youth health communication. They learned how digital tools such as Canva, CapCut, Google Forms, and messaging platforms can support impactful advocacy. Group discussions allowed participants to define the qualities of effective social media advocates and explore ways to counter misinformation.

Day 2 – Content Creation & Influencer Engagement

Day 2 featured hands-on training in digital design, allowing participants to create HIV awareness posters and messages using Canva. Facilitators also discussed Nigeria’s HIV context and the importance of collaborating with local influencers, community leaders, and youth advocates. Participants practiced using storytelling, visual design, and peer-led engagement strategies to reach AGYW and ABYM with accurate and relatable content.

Day 3 – Video Production & Digital Advocacy

Participants gained practical experience in shooting short HIV advocacy videos, using sample scripts and guided hands-on exercises. They explored tools for social media management, analytics, and online community building. Each group produced and submitted advocacy videos, demonstrating improved confidence in digital storytelling and campaign planning.

Challenges

Some participants arrived late due to distance and logistics, slightly delaying sessions. Facilitators adjusted the schedule to ensure the full curriculum was delivered.

Next Steps

  • Champions are encouraged to invest in essential digital tools—using free or premium versions—to sustain content creation.

  • NEPWHAN will explore additional support to strengthen the consistency of youth-led digital advocacy.

  • CBOs are urged to scale up social media engagement promoting HIV prevention among AGYW in their communities.