Christian joined the NZAF Trust Board as an elected member in November 2011.

Originally from Nigeria, Christian moved to New Zealand in 2007 for a better life. Christian's working background is in the hospitality industry where he worked with people from different nationalities and tourists visiting Nigeria. Upon moving to New Zealand he chose a new career in social services. Christian says, “Working with people has always been my passion; I enjoy playing a positive role in the lives of people around me.”

Christian was the vice president of the Nigeria association in Christchurch and he hopes to draw on this experience in leading and supporting the NZAF in many ways including organising, managing and attending various community engagement events.

In his role as a community support person, Christian works closely with people living with mental health issues and intellectual disabilities. Christian comments, “I enjoy my involvement in my clients’ everyday lives and seeing them change or get better is what motivates me and challenges me to do better in my job.”

Christian is also currently studying towards a degree in social work, which will be completed in 2012, and hopes to then move towards a career with migrants, refugees and people with living with mental health issues and disabilities. Christian strongly believes that these are vulnerable groups within the community and would like to play his part in providing support and services to them. He has had extensive experience of the communities most affected by HIV and AIDS in New Zealand, having worked closely with African refugees and migrants.

Christian joined New Zealand AIDS Foundation as a Board member because he believes everyone has the rights to live a quality life irrespective of their health or illness. Christian says, “People with HIV/AIDS are not to be discriminated against or stigmatised. I would also like to support and educate the migrants, refugees, African communities and mental health communities about the importance of staying safe and taking ownership and responsibility for their actions.”

As an NZAF Board member Christian says he will dedicate his time to raising awareness of the impact of HIV/AIDS and how to stay safe and by promoting the values and vision of NZAF.