The Katsina State Government has restated its unwavering resolve to shield children and young people from the harmful influence of the tobacco industry, as part of activities to commemorate the 2025 World No Tobacco Day.
Speaking at a press conference held at the Commissioner’s Conference Hall yesterday, the commissioner for Health, Musa Adamu Funtua, said the theme for this year, “Protecting Children from Tobacco Industry Interference,” is timely and urgent, particularly as evidence shows an alarming rise in tobacco use among Nigerian adolescents.
Citing the Global Youth Tobacco Survey, the commissioner revealed that nearly one in five Nigerian teenagers has experimented with tobacco products, with many lured through flavoured products, digital advertising and social media branding designed to bypass existing regulations.
“The age of initiation keeps dropping. Our young people are being targeted by profit-driven tactics that exploit their curiosity and lack of awareness,” the commissioner said. “This poses a clear and present danger to our children’s health and our society’s future,” he added.
Globally, tobacco kills more than 8 million people each year, over 1 million of these deaths result from exposure to second-hand smoke. In Nigeria, tobacco-related diseases like cancer, stroke, heart disease and chronic respiratory conditions continue to place a heavy burden on families and the healthcare system.
The commissioner called on stakeholders, parents, teachers, health workers, civil society groups, the media and the youth themselves to work together to counter the industry’s influence and build a generation free from tobacco addiction.
“As a government, we will continue to strengthen our laws to curb tobacco advertising and sponsorship, clamp down on flavoured products, and promote awareness about the real dangers of smoking and e-cigarette use,” he said.
He also urged young people to become anti-tobacco ambassadors in their schools and communities, using their voices and platforms to say “No to tobacco, no to manipulation, yes to life and a healthy Katsina State.”
“Protecting our children is not negotiable,” he emphasised. “A society that allows the exploitation of its youth by tobacco companies is a society at risk. Together, we must choose health over harm and strength over addiction.”
As the world marks this year’s World No Tobacco Day, the Katsina State Government called on all citizens to join hands to safeguard the next generation and ensure a healthier, tobacco-free future for the state and Nigeria at large.
