Yemi Obafemi
The Federal Government has revealed that over seven million deaths occured as a result of direct tobacco use and about 1.2 million from non-smokers exposure to second-hand smoke.
In a statement on Monday, by the Federal Competitive Consumer Protection Commission.
Speaking at the formal lunch of its tobacco control advocacy tagged, ‘Don’t burn their future’, the acting Executive Vice Chairman of FCCPC, Adamu Abdullahi, disclosed that more than 26,800 annual deaths in Nigeria have been attributed to tobacco-related diseases even as 4.5 million Nigerians aged 15 and above are tobacco users.
According to him, tobacco has negative impact on the youth most especially on brain development to respiratory issues and increased nicotine dependence adding that other issues, tobacco was are noncommunicable diseases like hypertension, stroke, cancers, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases.
He revealed that there are more than eight million deaths every year worldwide, with over seven million of these deaths occurring as a result of direct tobacco use and about 1.2 million from non-smokers exposure to second-hand smoke.He said the campaign is to foster healthy future for the youth.
“The campaign underscores the collective responsibility of individuals, communities, and a prioritised healthcare system in fostering a healthier future for the youth. He said that the government’s commitment to creating a smoke-free environment and fulfilling international obligations under the World Health Organisation Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.
Abdullahi who was represented at the event by the Chairman, Tobacco Control Unit, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Malau Toma, said “The campaign’s scope extends beyond warnings, featuring a collaborative approach with Civil Society Organisations to provide counseling services for those aiming to quit smoking.
Toll-free lines have been established to bridge the gap to a smoke-free future, emphasizing support and follow-up”.
