Encomium
THE President General, Nigeria Football and Other Sports Supporters Club (NFSSC), Dr. Rafiu Ladipo has clarified he never demanded 62 million condoms on behalf of Nigerian fans and the Super Eagles for the 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil.
In an exclusive phone interview with ENCOMIUM Weekly on Monday, May 19, 2013, Dr. Ladipo said he made the appeal for the entire teams and fans attending the mundial.
“People are just being sensational. I didn’t at any time demand 62 million condoms for Nigeria’s Supporters Club or the national team. What happened was that at the United Nations Programme on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), I made a contribution that recommended two options to eradicate or control the dreaded disease. First, I called for abstinence and second, the use of condom. At this juncture, I observed that two million condoms was not adequate for the world attending the mundial for about 31 days. I, therefore, advised them to make provision for at least 62 million condoms.”
Dr. Rafiu Ladipo went on to praise ENCOMIUM Weekly for being the first media organization to call to know the truth before rushing to the press. “This has once again re-enforced my respect, regard and love for your medium’s sense of responsibility and professionalism.”
Ladipo’s appeal came on the heels of assurance by UNAIDS Country Director, Bilali Camara that two million condoms would be provided for the entire duration of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. But the NFSSC boss said instead of two million condoms for the entire duration, UNAIDS should rather provide two million condoms each day for the entire world at the 31-day tournament.
“Of all football loving fans around the world, I alone will be taking over 10,000 fans to Brazil, not only from Nigeria. We want to be protected. So, I want to urge you (UNAIDS) to provide more condoms,” he reportedly pleaded at the forum.
Rafiu Ladipo said it is important for UNAIDS to look into the request to prevent the spread of HIV and AIDS during the World Cup. He hoped that the availability of condoms would help protect fans who might want to have sex in Brazil.
Since Ladipo purportedly made the demand for 62 million condoms, outrage and criticism have greeted his request, especially when many thought he wanted them all for Nigerian players, officials and fans. But the NFSSC President General has now categorically stated he was rather making the case for the entire world visiting Brazil for the World Cup. Nigeria led by Stephen Okechukwu Keshi is drawn in Group F alongside Argentina, Iran and Bosnia-Herzegovina.
-UCHE OLEHI
