By Blessing Ibegbu

The Executive Director, Cedars Refuge Foundation (CRF), Mr Peter Unekwu-Ojo, has called on young Nigerians to abstain from taking flavoured tobacco products that pose dangers to their health.

Unekwu-Ojo made the call during an anti-tobacco campaign at Klinnicaps Academy in Koroduma, Karu Local Government of Nasarawa State on Tuesday.

The theme of the campaign is: “Exposing Lies, Protecting Lives: Unmasking the Appeal of Tobacco and Nicotine Products.”

According to him, the campaign focuses on exposing the deceptive strategies of the tobacco industry.

“The campaign is aimed at combating the rising tobacco use among young Nigerians.

“We are engaging the students in an enlightening and interactive session aimed at unmasking the harmful realities behind flashy advertisements and flavoured tobacco products,’’ he said.

Addressing the students and school officials, Unekwu-Ojo denounced the manipulative tactics employed by tobacco companies, accusing them of deliberately targeting children and youths.

“These industries are setting young people up against their future. They sandwich their products with glamorous colourful packaging, enticing flavours and high-profile adverts, hiding the dangerous consequences of addiction.

“The educational session not only delivered hard-hitting facts, but also encouraged vibrant feedback and critical reflection from students.

“The campaign emphasises that the glitz associated with tobacco products is a smokescreen concealing long-term health risks and dependency

“Every child deserves a future free from the industry’s traps flavoured nicotine, flashy adverts and peer-induced pressure.

“Tobacco use is not a fashion statement, it is a death sentence disguised in shiny colours,” he said.

Also speaking, Mr John Egla, Executive Director, Development Initiatives for Societal Health, reiterated the irreversible danger posed by tobacco use.

According to him, Tobacco is a killer; there is no safe level of smoking.

He said that Cedars Refuge Foundation would be establishing Tobacco-Free Clubs in 10 high schools across Nasarawa State.

“These clubs will empower students with knowledge, peer leadership and advocacy tools to resist and counter tobacco industry influence.

“The 2018 Tobacco Atlas revealed alarming statistics that over 942 million men and 175 million women worldwide aged 15 and older are smokers, with usage rising across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Nigeria,” he said.

He attributed this growth to increased affordability and aggressive marketing strategies by tobacco companies aimed at vulnerable youth populations.

Mr Patrick Ori, the school principal, expressed deep appreciation for the initiative, acknowledging the importance of early intervention and continuous education.

Ori urged the students to resist peer pressure, adding that the critical role of parental supervision in safeguarding their future could not be overemphasised.

The Dean of Studies, Mrs Precious Ojiaku, urged students to uphold strong moral values.

She advised them  to avoid falling prey to nicotine hooks and flavor packages that were designed to entice and trap the unsuspecting living a morally grounded life.

“Living a morally grounded life, avoidance is the most effective resistance against an industry that profits from addiction and suffering,”she said.

She added that the campaign marks a significant step in the broader Smoke-Free Campaign led by Cedars Refuge Foundation.

Ojiaku said that the campaign also targets hotel operators, market leaders, motor park managers, primary health care centres, influencers, Policy makers and relevant stakeholders.

“It is important that stakeholders enforce the smoke-free provisions of the National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act and Regulations, in collaboration with relevant enforcement agencies.

“The message is clear as well as resounding that ‘Tobacco has no place in the future of Nigerian youth’,” she added.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the high point of the campaign was the official establishment of a Tobacco-Free Club at Klinnicaps Academy, Karu.

NAN reports that the foundation distributed Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials to support the club’s activities and empower students with facts and skills to stand against tobacco use. (NAN)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Joseph Edeh