Drag On, a Celebration of Triumph of Determination over Adversity – Hon. Peretei

By Iyojo Ameh

“We are celebrating not just an author but the triumph of determination over adversity, the victory of will over distress and course of joy over sadness of the man who should have been history but decide to make history by writing this book” so declared by, Hon. Kennedy Ikantu Peretei, Editor-in-Chief of Diplomatic Digest, as the Chairman of the Occasion, ably represented by Mr. Ilesanmi Olayoriju, the CEO of Medals Magazine at the “Global Launching of the book “Drag On – A True Experience of Olusiji Balogun” held on 4th September, 2025, at SITA Hall, Alagbaka Akure.

In his welcome remark, Hon. Peretei declared that “Siji, with today’s event had put a mark of honour on his career as a Journalist and another feather to his cap’

“I have known Siji for more than 25 years, and in all these years, his determination to make things work, always endeared him to me and we have maintained this link of a close working together even when we are separated by distance” Hon. Peretei asserted.

He continued by using the occasion to congratulate him, on the success of being an author in a special field. As the occasion will challenge many others to also convert their experiences into making a fortune instead of resigning to fate.

“I congratulate Siji for Resilience, candour and determination to make a mark. You have added to the body of knowledge in the fight against HIV/AIDS and writing from your own experience makes you an authority” he declared.

Saying “He has put his experiences that can be described as bitter, but coated in a language that will benefit all those who take their time to digest the book “Drag On”.

His Excellency, Hon. Dr. Orimisan Lucky Aiyedatiwa, Executive Governor of Ondo State, who is the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion, ably represented by the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka, ommends the boldness of the author for declaring public his status in order to save many lives of others living with the virus and also to correct the negative impressions attached to the virus.

Dr. Taiwo Afhokume, the Medical Director (MD) of Ise-Ekiti General Hospital, the book reviewer who is also the personal physician of the author and friend, “. ” recommends the book for all and sundry because it is a veritable tool for academic research and for students in the health sector.

Aremo Olusiji Balogun, the writer and author of the book in an emotional speech shared his harrowing experiences despite his background knowledge as a son of a father who worked in the health sector and a journalist, that covered even health sector plus rising to the post of editor in many newspapers and magazines.

He encouraged people to go for HIV test because knowing ones status will go a long way to save the person from going through what he called his “medical ordeal’.

Balogun said “After observing every protocol to guard against being infected by the virus, I still tested positive which led to my confusion. However, to God be the glory, I’m not only alive today but healthier and stronger than when I was diagnosed positive to HIV. The joy in all is that while the mode of infection remains a mystery. After testing positive to HIV in 2019, I was declared medically fit in 2022, as the virus was no longer detectable in my system and cannot transmit same to anyone, a level medical professionals called “U=U, Undetectable equals Untransmitable”

In his words, “Based on my experiences, HIV is not a killer disease as we were told. What kills most is the discrimination and stigmatization, which always led to treating the condition with confidentiality and secrecy”.

Balogun appeal to government agencies, stakeholders and civil organizations to engage citizens more on public enlightenment, advocacy on right information on HIV as just like any other disease or ailment as against the old narrative of “HIV is a killer disease” which leads victims to commiting suicide because of the attendant public humiliation, discrimination and stigmatization, which he also experienced.

Dr. Dayo Adegbulu, the Project Manager of the Ondo State Agency for the Control of AIDS (ODSACA), and also representing DR. Taiwo Fasoranti, the Secretary to State Government (SSG), at the event said the Agency has been supportive of the project especially to help in the campaign of stigmatisation and help reduce the prevalent rate of the spread of HIV in the country as a whole

In his own goodwill message, Comrade Alo Martins, Chairman of All Civil Society Organisations in Ondo State (CACSOD) said “We are gathered here not to mourn, but to celebrate the resilience, vision, and transformative journey of a man whose story remain an inspiration to man others, Aremo Olusiji Balogun. Drag On is more than a memoir; it is a mirror reflecting the trials and triumphs of leadership, the courage to confront adversity, and the power of authenticity in public life.”

In his words, Comrade Alo continued that “I am proud to stand alongside fellow change makers, thought leaders, and citizens who believe in the power of storytelling to shape our collective future. This launch is not just a milestone for Olusiji Balogun, but also a beacon of hope for everyone facing the stigma of HIV/AIDS.”

“I therefore call on the government of Ondo State to take decisive action against all forms of stigmatization, and to recognize the author, Balogun, as an HIV Ambassador, for he has rekindled hope and inspired courage in our society.’ he appealed.

Comrade Adeyemi Junaid, the Chairman of (ACOMIN) and also also called on the state government to appoint Anti-Stigma Ambassadors in the state to help in the campaign against discrimination and stigmatisation as a contribution to fight against against HIV/AIDS and possible inclusion in the “OUR EASE” programme of the forward looking present leadership of the administration, as the world continues to focus on the elimination of HIV as a public health challenge by year 2030.

Other notable dignitaries gave goodwill messages at the event include Honourable Commissioner for Water Resources, Hon. Elder Ayodele Akande ably represented by Comrade Goke Oluwole, the CEO of Akoko Voicemedia newspaper; Hon. Mohammed Taofeek, Chairman, Transition Committee of Irun/Ogbagi LCDA, Prince Adeyinka Albert Adesida, President, Omoluorogbo Grammar School Old Student Association 1990 Set and many others.