Valentine’s Day: Youths Warned Against Risky Behaviours

As Nigerians join the rest of the world to mark Valentine’s Day today with its familiar bursts of red, white and romantic excitement, the season of love also revived conversations around sexual responsibility, condom use and HIV prevention.

The Valentine season, marked by heightened social activity and intimacy, often triggers a rise in risky sexual behaviour, exposing many to sexually transmitted infections including HIV as well as unintended pregnancies.

Director -general of National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), Dr. Temitope Ilori, has therefore urged Nigerians to celebrate love responsibly by taking deliberate steps to prevent HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.

She encouraged Nigerians to practice safe sex and use condoms consistently and correctly, limit multiple sexual partners and avoid transactional sex, avoid excessive alcohol or substance use that may impair judgement, seek HIV prevention, treatment and counselling services at any close government health facility.

Dr.  Ilori reiterated that condom remains a vital part of the national HIV response strategy when used properly, although the agency also encourages faithfulness to one partner as a primary prevention strategy.

Valentine’s Day in Nigeria has become a cultural moment powered by youthful energy, social media influence and commercial creativity. In the days leading up to February 14, business activities surged nationwide as flower vendors, confectioners, fashion designers, restaurants and hotels recorded one of their busiest periods in the year.

Small businesses, especially teddy-bear sellers, bouquet makers and delivery services usually record spike in patronage driven largely by social media inspired gifting trends.

Unlike previous years when handwritten love letters dominated, today’s Valentine’s culture is shaped by TikTok videos, Instagram reels and curated “Valentine boxes” filled with chocolates, perfumes, gadgets and personalised notes.

But behind the flowers, chocolates and social media displays lies a recurring public health concern. She said, “While this season is known for expressions of affection and connection, it is equally important to avoid behaviours that increase vulnerability to HIV. Protecting your health and that of your partner remains one of the greatest expressions of love.”

According to a 2021 report conducted by NOIPolls in partnership with NACA and the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Nigeria needs an additional 564 million condoms annually to ensure 90 per cent coverage of sexually active adults.

The report showed that although an estimated 587 million condoms are currently available for use, the country actually requires about 1.15 billion to meet national needs.

Meanwhile, NACA urged Nigerians to make informed choices that safeguard their health and future while contributing to the national goal of ending new HIV infections

“Let love be guided by responsibility. Knowing your status and protecting yourself and others is a powerful way to show you care,” the agency said.