The Federal Ministry of Health (FMOH) has today launched Tobacco Free Nigeria to campaign against the indiscriminate use of tobacco in the country.
The Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole, in his remarks at the launch that held at the Nicon Luxury Abuja, said “Tobacco is the only drug that if taken accordingly like a doctor’s prescription, kills over 50%” of people who would follow the prescription.
Recently, TheNewsGuru reports World Health Organization (WHO) releasing scary Tobacco smoking statistics worldwide. TNG also reported that data presented by The Tobacco Atlas shows Nigeria was doing virtually nothing to curtail Tobacco smoking in the country.
“We need start speaking out to educate our people that smoking kills,” Health Minister Adewole said at the launch of the Tobacco Free Nigeria that was trending on social media with the hashtag #ClearTheAir.
Smoking in public places — playgrounds, public parks, stadia, restaurants, public transport, plaza, child care facilities, educational facilities, etc — is prohibited by law, but evidently, the law has not been effective.
“Since health is paramount because health is wealth, government will continue to prevent tobacco use for the benefit of all,” said Dr. Evelyn Ngige, Director, Public Health, FMOH.
Serah Makka, Country Director of ONE Campaign laud the effort saying the #TobaccoFreeNigeria #ClearTheAir campaign is a worthy initiative, and that all Nigerians should embrace it.
At the launch, outgoing curator of Abuja Global Shapers, Saadatu Falila Hamu; Timi Ebi Dakolo, and Mr. Eazi were appointed goodwill ambassador for the #TobaccoFreeNigeria #ClearTheAir campaign.
Also present at the #TobaccoFreeNigeria event were the Chief Executive Officer of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chikwe Ihekweazu, and the Director General of Bureau of Public Reforms, Dr. Joe Abah.