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The Executive Management of Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) have presented the 2025 Employee of the Year Award to Ms Temitope Olukomogbon in recognition of her dedication, commitment and consistency in service to the Institute.

IHVN Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Patrick Dakum and the Executive Director International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE), Prof. Alash’le Abimiku presented the award to Ms. Olukomogbon at the IHVN Campus in Abuja.

At the ceremony, the CEO, Dr. Patrick Dakum, praised Ms. Olukomogbon for upholding the core values of the Institute, including teamwork.  “We have over 400 staff and you stood out to be the employee of the year which means you are doing something right and I encourage you to keep that up.”

Ms. Olukomogbon, who is the IRCE Post-Award Research Grant Administrator said “I am truly honored to be recognized as Employee of the Year 2025 at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria. This recognition is not just about me; it reflects the backing of God, the unwavering support of my International Research Center of Excellence  (IRCE) family, and the culture of excellence that surrounds us every day at IHVN. This award reminds me that giving your best, staying consistent, and striving for excellence does not go unnoticed.  I would like to specially thank to Prof. Alash’le Abimiku, Dr. Patrick Dakum and Dr. Charles Mensah, for this recognition and for creating an environment where dedication and passion are celebrated.”

The Institute initiated the Employee Recognition Awards in July 2024 to recognize overall employee performance in dressing, innovation, teamwork, productivity, efficiency, leadership and interpersonal skills, punctuality, and adherence to company values and principles, amongst other things.

IHVN Assistant Director Human Resources, Rachel Adegbe said that the Employee of the Month and Employee of the Year award is an opportunity to appreciate every staff member for their contributions to the collective impact being made by the Institute in Nigeria and beyond.

In fostering an excellent work culture and staff performance, the Executive Management of the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) has initiated the “Employee Recognition Awards” to recognize “Employees of the Month” and “Employee of the Year.”

According to Dr. Olu Alabi, the IHVN Director of Finance and Administration, this recognition encompasses overall employee performance in areas such as dress code, innovation, teamwork, productivity, efficiency, leadership, interpersonal skills, punctuality, and adherence to company values and principles, among other factors.

For January 2026, IHVN celebrates Adebawo Oluwadamilare, Temitope Olukomogbon, Oluremi Are, Daharatu Yahaya, Danjuma Sanda, Modupe Adeyinka Owoade, Susan Adoga, Amarachi Ugboaja, Munir Abdulmalik, Saiki Fredrick and Adeniji Abdulfatai, whose performance stood out in their teams.

Hearty cheers to our January star performers!

As the world commemorates World Cancer Day 2026, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) joins the global community in reaffirming its commitment to support cancer prevention and research.

This year’s theme, “United by Unique,” calls attention to people-centered approach to cancer care for the best outcomes.

In solidarity with patients, survivors, caregivers, health workers, and communities, the International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) at IHVN will mark this year’s observance with a Cancer Awareness Walk on Friday, 6 February at Piwoyi community in Abuja.

This event is aimed at promoting awareness about cancer, encouraging open conversations on prevention and early detection, and fostering solidarity in the fight against cancer. 

The Adolescents and Young People (AYP) Innovation Hub in Fimie, Abuloma, Rivers State was officially commissioned and transitioned by the Honourable Commissioner of Health, Rivers State Ministry of Health, Dr Mrs Adaeze Oreh, Commissioner for Health, Rivers State in a ceremony celebrating youth empowerment and innovation

The event drew government officials, development partners, community leaders, and hub participants, underscoring the collective effort to foster a generation of skilled, resilient, and socially responsible young Nigerians.

Speaking at the event, the Commissioner emphasized that equipping young people with skills, confidence, and access to opportunities remains a top priority for the administration. She noted that initiatives such as this strongly align with the state’s development agenda, HIV response priorities, and the broader vision of building a resilient, skilled, and productive youth population capable of driving long-term progress.

“The establishment of this Hub is a testament to what can be achieved through strong partnerships and shared commitment. By leveraging years of experience in HIV prevention, care, and treatment to create a safe, stigma-free, and youth-friendly innovation space, this hub goes beyond skills training — it creates opportunity, restores dignity, and nurtures hope, she said”

The Hub, supported by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC) through the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), was conceptualized in 2018 to provide a safe and supportive space for adolescents and young people. Its mission is to equip the youth with entrepreneurial, digital, and life skills, addressing vulnerabilities such as unemployment, limited social support, and lack of access to development opportunities.

Through structured training programs, mentorship, and holistic support services, the AYP Tech Hub helps participants build confidence, develop practical skills, and transition successfully into adulthood. The commissioning signifies a renewed commitment by the Rivers State Ministry of Health and partners to invest in sustainable youth development and create avenues for social and economic empowerment.Bottom of Form

The Institute of Human Virology, Nigeria (IHVN), Chief Operating Officer/ Managing Director, Dr Charles Olalekan Mensah described the commissioning as a milestone in transforming the facility into a dynamic space for opportunity, creativity, and empowerment for youth.

“IHVN remains committed to working closely with the Rivers State Government, the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC), Project Hope, and the host community to ensure the long-term sustainability and impact of the AYP Innovation Hub,” Dr. Mensah said.

As part of the commissioning, the Commissioner was taken on a guided tour of the Hub, showcasing its training facilities, vocational spaces, ICT labs, and wellness support areas, giving her firsthand insight into the programs and services available to adolescents and young people.

The International Research Center of Excellence (IRCE) at the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN) is calling Data Managers and Analysts, Public Health Researchers, Clinicians , Monitoring and Evaluation Personnell, Postgraduate Students and Government and non-governmental organization staff to maximize the Early Bird Discount of 10% for its upcoming Public Health Data Analysis Training Course (PHDAT)

IRCE Program Manager Research, Dr. Nifarta Andrew who made this call in Abuja said that the Early Bird Discount is open till February 28th for all interested.

“This means that interested applicants can pay ₦315,000.00 instead of ₦350,000.00  for the five day certified training scheduled for 4th to 8th May, 2026,” she said. Dr. Andrew added that regular registration for the course will close on March 31st, 2026.

The Data Analyst explained that training participants will gain skills and knowledge on epidemiological Study Designs, Data Visualization Using R, Descriptive and Inferential Statistics, Correlation and Regression Analysis amongst other areas.

Check https://ihvn-irce.org/public-health-data-analysis-training-course-phdat/ for more information about the training.